Gort Scott and Sergison Bates among finalists in Cambridge contest

03 Main Court_St Catharine's College_Cambridge

Main Court at St Catharine鈥檚 College, Cambridge

Gort Scott, Sergison Bates and Wright & Wright have been shortlisted for a redevelopment project at St Catharine鈥檚 College, Cambridge.

Mica, BGS Architects and the RH Partnership complete the list.

The six finalists were chosen from the first stage of the college鈥檚 invited competition to select a multi-disciplinary architect-led team.

The project will involve remodelling key areas such as the college鈥檚 hall and related social and support spaces, including a new home for its rare books and special collections.

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It also requires improving access to the 18th-century Sherlock Library, senior combination room, and the 2013 McGrath Centre which was designed by RH Partnership.

The stage one submissions required practices to introduce their teams, show relevant experience and provide their initial thoughts on the project. The next stage will see the finalists developing concept designs.

04 Gates_ Frances St George Hyslop Entry_St Catharine's College_Cambridge

Frances St George Hyslop entrance at St Catharine鈥檚 College, Cambridge

They will be asked to 鈥渞esolve the technical and operational challenges of the site, provide spectacular interiors for the key spaces and address environmental performance, holistic sustainability and heritage significance,鈥 said competition organiser Malcolm Reading.

All six finalists, who will receive an honorarium of 拢15,000 including VAT, 鈥渟hone in demonstrating their understanding of the College and its requirements for this project 鈥 most crucially, balancing the creative with the practical throughout their response,鈥 he added.

03 Main Court_St Catharine's College_Cambridge

Main Court at St Catharine鈥檚 College, Cambridge

Mark Welland, master of the college, said: 鈥淏oth set-piece and supporting spaces need a holistic design vision for they are at the heart of the college experience.鈥

The winner is expected to be announced this summer.

02 Dining Hall_St Catharine's College_Cambridge_Oxbridge

Dining hall at St Catharine鈥檚 College, Cambridge