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Report of the Council on the construction of a lecture theatre for the Institute of Astronomy

1. The Director of the Institute of Astronomy has brought forward proposals for the construction of a lecture theatre at the Hoyle Building of the Institute. At present, the only facility for lectures that the Institute possesses is a seminar room which holds some fifty people; this is seriously inadequate for the Institute's needs, and it is proposed to replace it by a lecture theatre with raked seating, accommodating an audience of about two hundred. The proposals also include provision for a committee room and an enlargement of the existing common room.

2. A scheme has been prepared by Annand and Mustoe Architects; the area of extension and alterations is 357 sq.m., as shown in the accompanying drawing. The estimated cost of the scheme at current prices is £580,000. A donation of £300,000 for this purpose has been received from the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation, and further funds have been identified, including income from trust funds and donations from Mr Hamish Maxwell; these will bring the funds currently available to a total of £527,000, and additional funding is being sought. Building works will not commence until adequate funds have been secured.

3. On an area basis it is estimated that the additional mechanical and electrical running costs of the extension will be £1,175 a year: the Council will take these costs into account when recommending allocations from the Chest to the University Education Fund.

4. Drawings of the proposed scheme are displayed for the information of the University in the Schools Arcade.

5. The Council recommend:

I.That the Acting Director of Estate Management be authorized to apply for planning consent for alterations to the Institute of Astronomy, including the construction of a lecture theatre, as proposed in this Report.

II.That the Treasurer be authorized in due course to accept a tender for the works within the funds identified.

11 May 1998

[Map showing the location of the proposed lecture theatre]

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