REUBEN COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF Asbestos Abatement – Written Scheme of Investigation for Historic Building Record April 2021

A historic building record (HBR) has already been prepared in response to condition 3 of the main works listed building consent for the refurbishment of the Radcliffe Science Library, Abbot’s Kitchen and former Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory to establish the new home of Reuben College (ref. 20/00943/LBC). As per the condition and written scheme of investigation submitted, this comprises a level 3 record (analytical). It is anticipated that a historic building record condition will be attached to the asbestos abatement consent. It is therefore proposed that any findings as a result of this work are documented as an addendum to the existing HBR, which already records the interiors prior to any works. This will include details regarding the moulded profiles around the windows, which it will be necessary to remove prior to reinstating in a suitable lime plaster. The HBR prepared in response to condition 3 of listed building consent 20/00943/LBC has not yet been submitted in order for the condition to be discharged. In order to create a coherent site archive, the original HBR and addendum required as a result of any new findings during the asbestos abatement works will be submitted together in order to discharge the existing condition on 20/00943/LBC and anticipated condition for the abatement works LBC.

Areas concerned: lower ground and ground floors of the Jackson wing, between the glazed link and the threshold with the Hooke entrance hall (refer to FJMT drawing 4-A-70310).

Health and safety: Access will be restricted to suitably-qualified asbestos removal specialists during the abatement works. In the event that discoveries need to be recorded before the site can be made safe, the appropriate technician will be briefed on how to record the features uncovered (e.g., taking photographs using an appropriate scale and from various angles).

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Appendix A:

Historic Building Recording: Parks College Written Scheme of Investigation July 2020

INTRODUCTION Planning and Listed Building Consent applications have been submitted for alterations and refurbishment of the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL), Abbot’s Kitchen and the west wing of the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory to enable use as a graduate college, museums' collections teaching and research centre and library. The RSL and part of the Inorganic Chemistry building (Abbot’s Kitchen) are both listed at Grade II, and the site is located within the Central (City and University) Conservation Area. The relevant application numbers for the works are 20/00942/FUL and 20/00943/LBC.

This document comprises a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for an anticipated condition associated with the forthcoming listed building consent for the alterations to the listed fabric and significance of the site. It has been advised that the historic spaces within the scope of the proposals are the subject of a level 3 historic building record. This WSI sets out the programme and manner within which the recording will take place, in accordance with best practice methodology as defined in Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Practice Recording Practice (Historic England, 2016).

AREAS TO BE RECORDED It is anticipated that the following areas will be recorded:

• RSL Worthington Wing – ground, first and second floors (Levels 4-8)

• RSL Jackson Wing – ground, first and second floors (Levels 4-8) including South entrance

• Abbot’s Kitchen – ground and first floors

• Inorganic Chemistry building – ground and first floors

METHODOLOGY We anticipate that a level 3 record will be required by the LBC condition. As a minimum, this will include:

• Drawings o Measured plans as existing including site plan, floor plans and elevations

• Photography o General views of the building(s)

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o External appearance o Overall appearance of interiors where change has been consented o Details, fixtures and fittings where change has been consented

Photography will be carried out using a high specification, digital camera, steadied on a tripod where necessary. A scale rule / ranging pole will be included where appropriate.

• Written account o Contents and list of illustrations o Address and grid reference o *Relevant statutory designations o Date of record, author(s) and deposit locations o Description of the circumstances in which the record has been prepared o Site description o *Building history o *Summary of significance o Acknowledgements o *Sources o Photographs index

Those items highlighted with an asterisk (*) will be reproduced from the existing Heritage Statement provided in the Listed Building Consent application. The history section will be updated to include any additional information relating to the history of the building that is uncovered during the strip out phase.

ARCHIVE We understand that the standard requirement is for a copy of the written report to be supplied to the Oxford Historic Environment Record (via the City Archaeologist) and for the site archive to be deposited with the Oxford History Centre. The report will comprise a high-resolution PDF with appended compressed images. The site archive will contain these images in both colour and monochrome, in their full resolution, and both PDF and DWG versions of the measured drawings.

Depending on the requirements of the History Centre, either photographic prints or 35mm film negatives will also be supplied within the archive.

We will also supply the conservation officer with a digital copy of the report with compressed images for reference for approval prior to depositing as per the above. Oxford City Council should advise if they also require the full record with high-resolution images.

PERSONNEL UNDERTAKING THE RECORDING The on-site survey, digital photography and written report will be carried out by a suitably qualified heritage professional employed by Purcell Architecture Ltd, or under the direction of such.

STANDARDS AND HEALTH AND SAFETY The preparation of the record will be overseen by a member of the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists (CIfA) and as such will work within their Code of Practice and in accordance with its guidance.

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Safe sworking conditions will be of paramount importance duyring the undertaking of the building recording. All work will be carried out in accordance with Purcell’s Health and Safety Policies. This will also be in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1992. Purcell will prepare a Health and Safety Risk Assessment prior to the commencement of onsite work and will be provided to all members of the survey team before access is permitted.

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