St Edmunds : About the College : Development

Over the last twenty five years the College has given attention to the development of its site and buildings. Particular emphasis has been given to the provision of good residential accommodation for student members and to a programme of upgrading the facilities to be enjoyed by all members of St Edmund's.

In the period 1989 - 1993 the main College building underwent a three phased expansion scheme designed by the architect, the late Roderick Gradidge. Eighteen student sets, a new Senior Combination Room, an extension to the dining hall, small dining room and new kitchens, together with a new entrance hall and College offices. The culmination of the Gradidge development was the six storey entrance tower made possible with a magnificent benefaction from the Teikyo foundation (UK). The tower not only provided another ten student sets but also a study for the Master and an air conditioned conference suite, The Okinaga Room, at the top of the tower with stunning views over the city and the surrounding countryside. The Okinaga Room was named after Dr Shoichi Okinaga, President of Teikyo University, Japan and an Honorary Fellow of the college.

In the mid 1990's a Master Plan for the College site was drawn up by the Dublin architect, Mr Sam Stephenson. The Stephenson plan sought to increase the student accommodation whilst retaining as much as possible of the existing landscaping of the College site. The plan which envisaged two new courtyards located to the north and south of the existing College building on the east/west axis was granted planning permission by the City architects on 17 July 1996.