Swindon Oxford University Bodleian Library, Swindon

Project Overview
The Bodleian Library Remote Storage Expansion at Thornhill Road, Swindon is a live project forming a critical extension to Oxford University’s primary off-site archival facility. Located within an established industrial and commercial area, the development plays a vital role in safeguarding and housing vast collections of books and artefacts belonging to one of the world’s oldest universities.

Oxford University, founded in the 12th century, continues to face constraints on space within its historic estate. The Swindon Book Storage Facility therefore operates as the principal repository, currently holding approximately 8,328,367 books. This expansion is strengthening the University’s long-term preservation strategy by increasing specialist storage capacity within a controlled and secure environment.

Project Requirements
The client requires the delivery of highly specialised archival accommodation capable of maintaining strict environmental conditions to preserve sensitive collections. Key requirements include climate-controlled storage chambers, secure loading and handling areas, specialist conservation and digitisation facilities, and visitor amenities, all delivered to exacting academic and conservation standards.

The project is also notable as the first time Oxford University has appointed a contractor outside of its established framework, placing additional emphasis on technical assurance, quality control and collaborative delivery.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar has been appointed under a Design and Build contract to deliver the expansion works. The team is leading the coordination of design development, construction activities and specialist installations, ensuring compliance with stringent conservation, security and performance requirements throughout the programme.

Scope of Works
Climate-Controlled Storage
Construction of a new climate-controlled chamber, designated as Chamber 5, designed to enhance the facility’s ability to preserve and protect invaluable archival collections under tightly regulated environmental conditions.

Specialist Facilities
Delivery of visitor rooms and washrooms, alongside dedicated conservation laboratories and working areas to support the maintenance, restoration and handling of historic materials.

Digitisation & Photography
Provision of specialist digitisation and photography studios to support the documentation and archiving of historic collections, enabling wider academic access while reducing handling of original materials.

Additional Storage Building
Construction of a separate building to house the Spirit Collection Store (SCS), incorporating specialist infrastructure including fume cupboards to support safe preservation and conservation practices.

External & Servicing Areas
Design and construction of a dedicated loading bay area capable of accommodating 7.5-ton vehicles to ensure safe and efficient delivery, handling and transfer of books and artefacts.

Technical & Delivery Challenges
The project involves the integration of highly sensitive archival environments within an industrial context, requiring exceptional attention to environmental control, security and construction quality. Delivering climate-controlled storage alongside specialist laboratories and digitisation facilities demands close coordination across architectural, structural and building services disciplines.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
The works are being delivered within a live operational environment, managing specialist archival requirements, secure logistics, and high-value collections while maintaining strict quality, safety and programme controls.

The Outcome
Upon completion, the Bodleian Library Remote Storage Expansion will deliver enhanced specialist storage capacity for Oxford University, strengthening the resilience and functionality of the Swindon facility while safeguarding one of the world’s most important academic collections.