Campus Works ....................................................................................................................
Simon Yiend Chief Operating Officer t: +44 (0)20 8299 9213 e: yiends @ dulwich.org.uk
gather on the balcony of the Pavilion or congregate around the perimeter. Those taking up position on the other side can alternate between supporting the first and seconds, and also the thirds or U16 sides playing alongside. The College has been chosen by Australia and Romania as their team base at the World Cup next year and the Wallabies spent a week with us during the 2014 Michaelmas half-term holiday, preparing for the autumn internationals. These experienced players were quick to praise the new pitch, contrasting it favourably with many a surface where they have played international matches. Also, last summer, the artificial pitch beside the PE Centre was completely renovated and a new surface laid, providing a first-class hockey pitch that is the envy of many and also a generator of revenue through lettings outside of school hours. Creative Space A new space has been created for the expression and adventure of the Arts. Tucked away behind the Commissariat is a large brick-built two-storey warehouse, known as the Bursar’s Store where furniture, stationery and supplies were stored. This has now been emptied and converted into a rough industrial space for the creative arts, ‘The Store’, with two floors where music or drama may be performed, or art displayed. The building provides a utilitarian but eminently flexible and exciting space for the arts. Delivered at limited cost, this development has unlocked significant possibilities. Great Hall We were fortunate to receive a donation for restoration work on the terracotta pedestals that support the limestone columns of Barry’s creation. Generations of OAs will almost certainly not have noticed them, covered as they were in thick chocolate brown paint that obscured the detailing of the terracotta and effectively cut short the flowing lines of
The Masterplan, drawn up by McAslan & Partners at the behest of the Master shortly after his arrival, sets ambitious targets for the development of the entire site and we continue to follow its themes in planning both large and small scale capital investment. Good husbandry and resource management and a determined focus on best value and business efficiency has enabled us to stretch available financial resources that much further, allowing us to accomplish some exciting developments. Nonetheless, aspiration continues to exceed planned resources. In writing of developments to the physical environment of the College, inevitably the focus is on The Laboratory, the single largest project undertaken for many years and probably the most significant since the Barry Buildings were built in 1860s. We should, however, also celebrate and reflect the continuing enhancement of this beautiful corner of southeast London where the quality of life and the beauty of its setting has become an inspiration to generations. Playing Fields The southern half of the playing fields, some 60% of the available space, was dug up, levelled and drainage installed, delivering three high-quality rugby pitches and two cricket squares where formerly there was a quagmire in winter. Controversially in some eyes, the 1st XV pitch was moved from its location in the northwest corner of the site to the immediate south of the Pavilion. We now have a full-size pitch of premier-division quality immediately adjacent to the Pavilion, neatly enclosed with its white ropes: a jewel in the very centre of the fields, fit for the level of rugby that the College plays. The pitch is a magnet to spectators, who either
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