​​Renovations and restorations: preserving history at Vic

Balancing tradition with progress

The Victoria College campus, with its ageless structures and historic landmarks, elicits a strong sense of nostalgia in all of its students, drawing them into a profound connection with the past while also instilling feelings of pride and optimism about the future. As these beloved spaces are modernised, there is an unavoidable dilemma between retaining the spirit of what makes Vic so unique and adapting to the demands of a modern academic setting. This predicament presents an important question: can we honour the history that shapes our experience here while embracing the changes required for the future?

The ongoing renovations are more than just physical changes to buildings—they represent a delicate balancing act between preserving the historical soul of Vic and meeting the demands of a modern and accessible academic environment. Given the needs of its students, such renovations are not just necessary for the sake of architectural preservation but vital for ensuring that our campus remains relevant and inspiring in the twenty-first century. While we may fear that these changes could erode the unique character of Vic, such transformations are, in fact, enhancing it—ensuring that future generations of students will experience a campus that honours its rich past while embracing the future.

Victoria College has always been cherished for its historic architecture, with iconic buildings like the Old Vic (officially named the “Victoria College Building”) and Burwash Hall standing as staples of our college’s rich heritage. The current renovations, however, are an acknowledgment that while history is essential, so is progress. For example, the Victoria College Chapel will be transformed into a multi-purpose teaching venue by March in 2025. The remodelling intends to preserve the chapel’s beautiful stained-glass windows, which have long been a distinguishing feature, while upgrading the room to make it more functional as a classroom or space for student gatherings and events. This is more than just conserving a building as a historical landmark; it is also about keeping the space relevant and functional for future generations.

It is also important to know that recent renovations are not new to Vic and that the campus as we know it today has already undergone significant changes. Annesley Hall underwent major renovations in the late 1980s to preserve its historic character while updating its facilities. The renovation work focused on maintaining the architectural integrity of this heritage building, which included repairing its distinctive features and improving its overall structure. The careful restoration ensured that Annesley Hall continued to serve as a functional residence for students while preserving its historical significance. Similarly, Old Burwash underwent renovations more recently, particularly with sustainable updates to its windows to improve energy efficiency and maintain the building’s historical aesthetic that we all know and love.

Thus, the modernisation of the Victoria College campus is vital for enhancing the student experience. To take another example, the Birge-Carnegie Library, with its century-old Gothic architecture, is currently undergoing significant changes to transform it from an underutilised relic into a dynamic space that can truly serve the student body. The addition of study spaces, modern classrooms with adaptable furniture, and improved accessibility features such as elevators and increased natural light are not just improvements—they’re essential upgrades that will allow students to thrive in an academic environment designed for the future.

These renovations also ensure that all students, regardless of their physical abilities, have access to the same opportunities and spaces. Renovations like the addition of an elevator in Birge-Carnegie and the connection between Birge-Carnegie and Emmanuel College will make the campus more navigable and inclusive, reflecting a commitment to equity and accessibility.

Ultimately, these renovations are essential because they address the critical gaps and shortcomings in our current campus facilities. While preserving the charm and historical value of our buildings is important, the priority should be creating an environment that allows students to excel. The revitalisation of Birge-Carnegie is a vital step towards ensuring that future generations access to a campus that supports their academic and personal growth.

However, this effort needs to go beyond simply balancing the old with the new. It should be rooted in a deep understanding of the student experience. The focus shouldn’t be placed merely on preserving physical structures but also on maintaining the memories, traditions, and unique character that make Victoria College more than just a collection of buildings—they make a community.