Key partners in the new Ratan Tata Building gathered at Somerville College on 13th February 2026 to sign the contract for the construction phase of the building, with representatives in attendance from Somerville College, Bidwells, CHP, Morris & Company, and Kingerlee.

Representatives of Kingerlee and Somerville College toast the contract, February 2026

Somerville College’s Treasurer, Andrew Parker, opened the occasion with a short speech, expressing his thanks to everyone involved in reaching this milestone and sharing his enthusiasm for working with Kingerlee. He noted that, although Somerville College was founded just eleven years after Kingerlee, this marks the first time in the college’s 147‑year history that the two organisations have collaborated.

Following this, Darren Arekion spoke on behalf of Kingerlee, highlighting how proud the company is to have been selected for the project and their excitement about delivering it. The event concluded with a delicious lunch kindly provided by Somerville College for all attendees.

Construction is expected to begin in March 2026, with a provisional completion date in Summer 2027.

Representatives of Somerville College, Kingerlee, Morris+Ci and Bidwells at Somerville, February 2026

Further reading?

Mansfield and Somerville Colleges’ Joint Statement on the Emergency Brake on Student Visas

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10 March 2026
Mansfield and Somerville Colleges’ Joint Statement on the Emergency Brake on Student Visas

‘Secret Genius’ Comes to Somerville

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26 February 2026
‘Secret Genius’ Comes to Somerville

Janet Vaughan Society Dinner 2026

Learn More
26 February 2026
Janet Vaughan Society Dinner 2026