Glencar recently announced its appointment as the main contractor for the delivery of an expansion to the prestigious Collections Storage Facility at Swindon, a specialist development commissioned by a new client, Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) . The project represents a significant advancement in sustainable storage design and the long-term preservation of Oxford University’s invaluable collections, reinforcing Glencar’s role in supporting the safeguarding of cultural heritage while enabling future academic research and endeavours.
The project involves the extension of the existing Collections Storage Facility (CSF) at South Marston, Swindon, with the construction of a new climate-controlled chamber (Chamber 5), alongside a new Spirit Collection Store (SCS). These purpose-built additions are designed to expand capacity for the Bodleian Libraries’ vast holdings, which currently accommodate more than 8 million books and manuscripts, as well as artefacts from the University’s four museums: the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum and the History of Science Museum.
The development will be delivered over a 69-week programme, with construction commencing in April 2025 and practical completion scheduled for August 2026. The buildings have been designed to Passivhaus Classic Standards, aiming for the highest levels of energy efficiency and environmental control essential for protecting cultural, scientific, and archival materials.
The Collections Storage Facility expansion has been meticulously designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability, safety, and archival performance:
- Extension to Existing Facility: addition of a new climate-controlled Chamber 5 to the existing Collections Storage Facility (CSF).
- Spirit Collection Store (SCS): a separate, fully compliant building for the storage of zoological specimens, with ATEX-rated mechanical and electrical installations and a fume cupboard, compliant with DSEAR regulations.
- Passivhaus Classic Standards: delivering outstanding energy performance and environmental control.
- Main Storage Chamber: built to achieve airtightness at 0.3 air changes per hour (ACH) for optimal preservation.
- Secure Loading Bay: designed to accommodate 7.5-ton vehicles for efficient and protected collection handling.
- Visitor Amenities: incorporating visitor rooms and washroom facilities for staff and guests.
- Conservation Laboratory and Working Area: dedicated space to support specialist maintenance and restoration of fragile materials.
- Photography and Digitisation Studio: facilitating modern, high-resolution imaging and digital archiving through cutting-edge technology.
These features ensure safe and efficient operation and demonstrate a firm commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and responsible development practices.
Speaking about the project, Roy Jones, Managing Director at Glencar, said:
“We are immensely proud to have been selected to deliver this landmark facility for Oxford University. This project reflects Glencar’s dedication to delivering developments of exceptional quality. We look forward to contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most important cultural collections and building a facility that meets the highest standards of environmental sustainability and innovation.”
Richard Ovenden from the University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums added:
“The Collections Storage Facility expansion is a critical development for GLAM , ensuring that the University’s collections are preserved under optimal conditions for future generations. We are excited to work with Glencar, whose expertise and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision for this project.”
The project team includes Bidwells & Ridge, Purcell as the architect and Price and Myers as engineer.