Construction
North Holmes Road Campus
Canterbury campus, adjoining North Holmes Road, was built on land which had been used for the orchards and domestic buildings of St Augustine’s Abbey, founded in Roman times. The area had been designated by the local authority for educational projects and, believing the project to be beneficial to the city, the municipal authorities offered a grant to enable the Church to buy the land.
The first stage in the construction of the College buildings, which were designed in a very contemporary style, was completed in October 1963. It comprised accommodation for 140 students in Fisher Tower, together with the library and science block, a refectory, kitchen and common rooms.
June 1964 saw the completion of all 21 buildings on the 10 acre site, including additional accommodation, an assembly hall, arts block, two gymnasia, a sick bay and the College chapel, the spire of which was and remains the most striking feature of Canterbury Campus.
The formal opening by Archbishop Dr Michael Ramsey took place in October1964. Also present was Dr Ramsey’s predecessor, Lord Fisher. An appeal was launched to raise £50,000, in large part needed to fund the cost of building of the chapel. In addition, the Principal, Dr Mason, highlighted the absence of a stage in the hall, a pavilion for the sports fields and much needed additions to the equipment of the College, now that enrolment was fast approaching its capacity of around 470 students, all training to be teachers.
In April 1965, Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip visited the College.
They attended a concert given in their honour and made a tour of the new campus buildings and facilities.
