Construction work on new faculty building for Tyndale House reaches milestone stage - Barnes Construction

Construction work to build a state-of-the-art facility at Tyndale House in Cambridge has reached a milestone stage. Sitting beside the existing faculty at the Christian charity and research institute, the new building will house a library containing the most significant collection of biblical studies materials in the United Kingdom. 

A major part of the build, the excavation of the basement, is nearly complete and the ground beams are in. The drainage and ducting works are underway and the tower crane is fully erected and operational.

Construction work started in the 80^th year of Tyndale House being founded at Selwyn Gardens in Cambridge. When completed in Spring 2027, the new faculty will enhance its library and research offering to scholars and academic staff, as well as cementing its standing as one of the world’s most significant libraries for biblical research.

In the new building the library will be on two floors, the ground and first floor and there will be 10 resident bedrooms and a dining room on the top floor. In the basement, a chapel and break out area, together with an events space will be created. This area will not just be aimed at meeting the needs of its scholars, but will also provide a flexible space that can be used to explain the value of biblical scholarship to non-specialist members of the general public.

Originally designed by Peter Webley, Barnes Construction is delivering the scheme alongside the project team comprising Cambridge-based architects, AMA Architects and Castons who is managing the project on behalf of the client.

The project is registered under the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which helps raise construction standards by independently monitoring and scoring sites, driving accountability and improving industry performance and the team are delighted that the first Considerate Constructors visit scored an impressive 44 out of 45.

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.

Peter Williams, who is Principal at Tyndale House is pleased with how the project is progressing. He said:

“This project comes at a significant time as we mark 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.”