Work has started on a £3.3 million renovation project at Nuffield College, Oxford.

The add-ons to the Oxford University graduate college will be carried out by the award-winning contractor Beard.

The company's task includes significant remodelling and accessibility improvements throughout the Grade II-listed building.

This expansive renovation is divided into three phases.

The first phase, already underway, involves the creation of new, fully accessible facilities across multiple sections of the college site.

The second phase will see the relocation of the main entrance and the porters’ lodge will be moved to the Worcester Street entrance.

The lodge was originally planned to be in this location.

Beard will also create modern and accessible facilities during this phase.

The project's final phase is then set to transform the former lodge site into accessible meeting spaces.

Existing facilities will also be refurbished to create a new 100-person lecture theatre.

As part of the project, Beard is also responsible for a series of major landscaping tasks.

These initiatives aim to improve ground-level accessibility.

This requires raising paving to door level in both the upper and lower quads as well as increasing ramped access between these areas.

Beard aims to fulfil the requirements of the Grade II-listed building by retaining and re-using the old York stone paving slabs.

The complexities of this project are heightened because it is being carried out in an active building.

To manage access for the college throughout, the project has been split into 15 smaller phases.

Beard director for Oxford, Dean Averies said: "Working on any listed or heritage building presents its own challenges, especially when the building is still active and in regular use.

"However, we have plenty of experience in complex refurbishments in education and in live environments across Oxford and further afield.

"The college has clear ambitions to enhance its facilities - and we believe we have the skills and expertise to help make that a reality.”

Andrew Dilnot, warden of Nuffield College, said: "This project represents one of the most significant interventions made to the College since it was built.

"The works will radically improve accessibility into and around the main College site and through the refurbishment of internal areas will provide outstanding facilities which will further support the College’s core functions."

Stuart Cade, project director at MICA Architects, added: "The team at MICA Architects is delighted to see our transformative scheme for Nuffield College start on site.

"We look forward to the completion and to see the exciting new facilities and spaces in use.”