“Bot the Builder”: Demolition robotics & the Central Spaces project

An innovative robot has been deployed to demolish parts of the College’s old dining hall to make way for the Central Spaces project, which will renovate, modernise and integrate the spaces at the heart of our Island site on Trumpington Street. The project is due to be completed later in 2022 and will enhance the experience of St Catharine’s students, alumni, staff, Fellows and visitors for generations to come.

Throughout this major building project, the College has given careful thought to the environmental impact and sustainability of both the design and construction of its new facilities. Demolition robotics not only created a much safer construction site, but also benefited the environment and the College community.

Helen Hayward (2018), Fellow and Operations Director at St Catharine’s, explains:

“The robot used on the Central Spaces project was electro-hydraulically powered which meant it was able to operate without emitting harmful fumes. The College was also reassured to know that it also offered significant improvements over the noise and vibrations associated with traditional methods so we could limit the disruption to everyone living and working close to the construction site.

 “From the start of the Central Spaces project, we have restricted our contractors to working 8am–6pm Monday to Friday (with noisy works restricted to 8.30am–5.30pm) unless in exceptional circumstances. However, we always been on the lookout for other ways to reduce disruption to our community and we have been particularly mindful of the impact of demolition noise.

“I am also delighted to confirm that we completed the last phase of our demolition works in January 2022. We should continue to anticipate a degree of disruption as works progress, but we will no longer have noise associated with breaking down the concrete structure of the old hall.”