Barnes Construction appointed to build new home for one of the world’s most significant libraries for biblical research - Barnes Construction

In its 80^th year of being founded, Christian charity and research institute, Tyndale House, has appointed us to build a new state-of-the-art facility beside the existing faculty at Selwyn Gardens in Cambridge.

While still in its early stages a ‘meet the neighbours’ event recently took place, where local residents were invited to see and hear all about what is being built and how the end result will, not only enhance Tyndale House’s library and research offering to scholars and academic staff, but will also cement its standing as one of the world’s most significant libraries for biblical research.

Planning permission was secured for the Tyndale House scheme based on previous Board Member and Architectural Designer, Peter Webley’s, original design. We have now completed the setup of the site and have started the enabling works for the new four storey building. The delivery project team also includes Cambridge-based architects, AMA Architects and Castons who will be acting as the client project manager.

When completed in Spring 2027, the new faculty will house a 2-storey library on the ground and first floor, as well as 10 resident bedrooms and a dining room on the top floor. In the basement, a chapel and break out area will be created, not just aimed at meeting the needs of its scholars, but which provides a flexible facility that can be used to explain the value of biblical scholarship to non-specialist members of the general public.

The library at Tyndale House holds the most significant collection of biblical studies materials in the United Kingdom, supporting world-class academic work across Bible languages, Bible manuscripts, and the ancient world.

At the heart of Tyndale House is its vibrant community of researchers collaborating on projects that deepen understanding of the Bible and equip the global church. From supporting scholars through their studies to leading international research initiatives, it continues to shape the field of biblical scholarship while serving as a place where rigorous academic research and deep Christian faith come together.

Dirk Jongkind, VP (Academic) at Tyndale House is delighted that construction is now starting and said:

“For eighty years, we have been carrying out research on the Bible at the highest academic level, for the benefit of both Christians and others who want to find out more about this unique and historically significant text. We are committed to supporting the global church through the International Scholars Programme, and this new faculty will enable us to further blend our world-class academic resources with a supportive residential community within a modern unique space where scholars can live, study, and collaborate.”

Simon Sykes is VP for Operations and Partnerships at Tyndale House. He added:

“Our previous library building was inadequate to meet the needs of scholars based here, or to house growth of our specialised collection of printed and electronic resources on the Bible, which has an international reputation for excellence. We have spent the last four years engaging with stakeholders to design an outstanding building which we hope, with the help of Barnes Construction and the project team, will last at least another eighty years.”

Yet the last words come from Peter Williams, who is Principal at Tyndale House. He said:

“This project comes at a significant time as next year will be the 500^th Anniversary of the martyrdom of William Tyndale, our namesake, who was the first person to translate the New Testament into English from the original language. As we look to the future, we recognise an exciting new chapter ahead: an opportunity to expand our campus and research programmes to meet the evolving needs of the global church. We are currently experiencing a period of significant growth and development and at the heart of this transformation is our state-of-the-art library. When the new building is completed, it will offer our scholars and community innovative workspaces, supported by cutting-edge technology in a modern and distinctive environment. This will truly be a space to flourish.”