Jesus College unveils expansion of West Court hotel, conference and events venue
Jesus College, Cambridge has expanded its West Court conference centre, adding five stylish meeting rooms and 20 hotel bedrooms.
The expansion increases the College’s year-round facilities, offering a broader mix of meeting rooms and hotel-standard bedrooms for residential conferences and events and more options for exclusive use.
The new facilities were created as a result of an extensive refurbishment of an adjoining building; parts of which are Grade II-listed and designed in the 1920s by architect Maurice Everett Webb, who was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. All the facilities reflect this heritage while offering modern comfort and connectivity.
All bedrooms are en-suite and overlook the College’s grounds and gardens. Each feature bespoke built-in joinery, harmonious colour palettes and carefully curated historical photography. Residential guests also have the opportunity to take breakfast in the College’s 15th century, Grade I-listed dining hall.
The new meeting rooms are located within a contemporary gatehouse fronting Jesus Lane, a striking addition completed in 2016. Two dual aspect meeting rooms have been created, overlooking West Court courtyard and the historic centre of Cambridge and accommodating up to 60 delegates each: the Laurence Sterne Room – a former library where the bookcases and atmosphere have been preserved; and the Lisa Jardine Room, with vaulted ceiling and balcony.
There are also three smaller meeting rooms — Jacob Bronowski, Lady Bray, and John Flamsteed —as well as coffee and breakout areas. The rooms are all named after notable figures connected to Jesus College and can be booked individually or together for larger events or for exclusive use. All areas are either on the ground floor or served by lifts, ensuring that the facilities are accessible to everyone.
Stuart Websdale, Jesus College’s Domestic Bursar said: “West Court has an outstanding selection of spaces and accommodation which affords guests all the practicalities of a modern conference setting plus the opportunity to take in the history and beauty of a Cambridge College.
“These new facilities provide even more options for our guests, making Jesus College stand out in Cambridge’s competitive conferencing and events market.”
Jesus College is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge and dates back to 1496. Located in the city centre and set within 33 acres of peaceful private grounds, the College offers a convenient and tranquil setting.