As part of Audley Retirement’s major redevelopment of the former Runnymede Brunel campus into the prestigious Magna Carta Park, extensive structural transformation has been undertaken across the site. A key element of the works involved the complete removal and reconstruction of College Hall, which is being replaced by a much larger building spanning both the original footprint and the former rear car park.
Following a full internal soft strip, College Hall was demolished in its entirety except for two masonry turrets and the historic clock tower, which were designated for preservation due to their architectural value. Maintaining the stability of these isolated structures during demolition and deep excavation presented a significant engineering challenge.
Cambell Brown Engineers were appointed to design and deliver the façade retention and temporary works system required to stabilise the surviving clock tower throughout the demolition and groundworks phases. Our scope included:
Once the retained structures were fully supported, their existing foundations were underpinned, enabling the formation of a new single‑storey basement directly beneath and around the preserved tower footprint.
Through meticulous planning, detailed temporary works design, and careful sequencing, the historic clock tower has been successfully preserved and now stands ready to be incorporated into the new development. The project represents a successful integration of heritage protection with modern construction, retaining an iconic element of the former campus within the new Magna Carta Park.
