Heritage Refurbishment and Music Facilities at St Peter’s College, Oxford | A Client-Side Construction Project Management Case Study

St Peter’s College, Oxford is undertaking the sensitive refurbishment of the Pastry School, a historic Arts and Crafts building used for music teaching, rehearsal and performance.

The project involves upgrading accessibility and acoustic performance within a conservation-led  setting, to ensure modern standards are achieved without compromising the building’s architectural character and that it continues to support the College’s academic and cultural life.

This is where a clear client-side construction project management structure matters, representing the client’s interests at every stage. That is why Iconic Project Management has been appointed to coordinate design development and specialist inputs, balancing modern standards with the protection of historic character.

Project context: managing a sensitive heritage asset

The Pastry School was originally constructed between 1899 and 1901 as a cookery building for Oxford Central Girls’ School.

Designed by Leonard Aloysius Scott-Stokes, it is a distinctive Queen Anne Revival building, characterised by patterned red and yellow brickwork, large timber sash windows and a cupola.

Although not statutorily listed, the building sits within a conservation area and is recognised as a designated heritage asset. This status brings with it significant planning and design sensitivities, particularly in relation to the retained section of the medieval city wall and the impact of works on key public realm views.

The brief: balancing accessibility, acoustics and inclusion

The brief for the Pastry School refurbishment is clear and unchanged since the initial design stage. The College requires a flexible music space capable of supporting teaching, rehearsal and performance, while significantly improving accessibility and inclusivity.

Achieving this within a historic building presents inherent challenges.

Modern accessibility requirements and acoustic performance standards must be delivered without compromising the architectural integrity of the building or its heritage setting.

Where projects combine heritage constraints, specialist technical requirements and live use, it becomes essential to have a clear client-side project management structure from the outset.

Accessibility strategy and managing building interfaces

A key element of the solution is the introduction of a bridge linking the Pastry School to the adjacent Perrodo Building.

The Perrodo Building already provides lift access and disabled toilet facilities, allowing inclusive access to the Pastry School without intrusive alterations.

During construction, the interface between the two buildings is carefully managed within the construction site, maintaining safety and clarity while works are ongoing.

Coordinating specialist acoustic input

The refurbished Pastry School is designed to accommodate a wide range of musical uses, from teaching and rehearsal through to live performance.

Acoustic specialists have been closely involved in shaping the design, specifying measures to reduce sound breakout and improve internal acoustic quality.

Importantly, the space is not conceived as a sealed 'production box.' The acoustic strategy balances performance requirements with the character and constraints of the existing building, ensuring functionality without over-engineering.

How client-side construction project management supports deliveryThe project is currently mid-way through construction. The focus has been on maintaining control, clarity and predictability throughout delivery.

In practice, this has involved:

• coordinating specialist disciplines, including acoustics and audio-visual design,

• managing complex AV requirements that are unusual for a heritage performance space,

• maintaining clear reporting and communication with all stakeholders,

• ensuring decisions are made at the appropriate time,  avoiding late changes or unexpected surprises.

This structured approach has allowed the project to remain firmly on brief, on programme and under control.

Progress and next milestones in construction delivery

Construction is progressing well, with key upcoming milestones including completion of the new floor and the bridge connection to the Perrodo Building.

These elements represent significant steps in delivering both the accessibility and functional objectives of the scheme.

Defining success in complex projects with heritage constraints

For St Peter’s College, success is clear and pragmatic: a project delivered on time and within budget, providing an inclusive, high-quality music facility that respects its historic setting while meeting modern needs.

Where projects involve heritage constraints, specialist requirements and live use, thoughtful client-side construction project management plays a central role in achieving this balance and delivering successful outcomes.

If you are planning a complex heritage project and would like to explore how we could support you, we would be happy to have a conversation.

Author

Darren Hewitt

Darren has over 25 years experience in the construction industry. Within this time he has led and delivered construction projects for major blue chip clients.

Darren has held senior roles in both client and consultant organisations. This gives him a full understanding of the construction process and level of stakeholder engagement required to ensure successful project/programme outcomes. He enjoys both day to day project management duties as well as strategic projects.