Pastry School Refurbishment Project at St Peter’s College: Blending Heritage with Modern Needs

The Pastry School and Music Room refurbishment project at St Peter’s College, Oxford is a masterclass in balancing accessibility with heritage.  

Now entering the second stage of development, this ambitious scheme is transforming one of the College’s most charming – but least accessible – spaces into an inclusive, functional, and future-proofed part of the campus. 

This project marks another prestigious appointment for Iconic Project Management at St Peter’s College, following the successful delivery of the Castle Bailey Quad development.  

It further strengthens our trusted partnership with the College in realising sensitive, high-impact projects within historic settings. 

Enhancing Accessibility While Respecting Architectural Integrity 

A central challenge was the need to provide step-free access to the first floor of the Pastry School, which currently lacks disability-compliant entry.  

Site constraints made it impossible to install a lift within the building without significant compromise to space and heritage fabric. 

The solution? A new external bridge connecting the Pastry School to the adjacent Perrodo Building, which does include a lift. The bridge enables accessible entry to the rear of the Pastry School, while also preserving: 

• Internal space 

• Visual integrity of the structure 

• Cost-effective long-term maintenance 

“It’s a genuinely elegant workaround. Rather than shoehorning in a lift that would damage the fabric of the building, we’ve created a thoughtful link that solves the access challenge and respects the site's history.” Darren Hewitt, Director of Iconic Project Management.

Navigating Planning with Purpose 

The journey to approval was not without friction. The Pastry School, though unlisted, was recognised during pre-application consultation as a non-designated heritage asset, designed by renowned architect Leonard Stokes.  

The building’s Queen Anne Revival style, patterned brickwork, and distinctive cupola contribute significantly to the historic Chavasse Quad and the surrounding Oxford Central Conservation Area. 

Initial heritage responses were strongly critical, citing: 

• Substantial harm to the architectural integrity of the Pastry School 

• Less-than-substantial harm to the adjacent Grade II listed Chavasse Building 

• Visual disruption to the harmony of the quad

“It was a robust response,” Darren admits. “But it prompted a really productive redesign process. We’ve ended up with a proposal that’s smarter, simpler, and more respectful. It’s a win for accessibility and heritage.” 

The revised scheme – now approved – includes a slimmer, less intrusive bridge, removal of the original internal stair access, and external adjustments that preserve key sightlines and fabric.  

It’s a clear demonstration of how collaborative, informed project management can turn challenge into consensus. 

Refurbishment Project Construction Timeline & Next Steps 

• Tendering: Currently in Stage 2 

• Planned Start: Summer 2025 (during College recess) 

• Target Completion: November 2025 

Project Management with Purpose 

This project has showcased the quiet brilliance of intelligent project management: 

• Facilitated compromise between access requirements and heritage sensitivities 

• Maintained programme and cost alignment through ongoing stakeholder engagement 

• Avoided scope creep by ensuring design solutions were value-driven and consent-ready 

“The best heritage-led projects are a negotiation between the past and the future,” Darren reflects. “We’ve protected the integrity of a beautiful old building while giving it a new lease of life. That’s exactly the kind of work we’re proud to lead.” 

Author

Lizzie Hewitt

Lizzie is the CEO of Iconic Project Management and the driving force behind its bold, people-first culture. Known for her blend of strategic clarity and creative flair, she leads with purpose, passion, and just the right amount of rebellion. Lizzie builds resilient teams, delivers impactful results, and is quietly transforming the construction industry into a space where both people and projects are empowered to thrive.