Tyndale House undertakes big development

Tyndale House, home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of Biblical scholarship, is building a new, state-of-the-art library three times its current size.

The evangelical Cambridge-based research centre, which was established 80 years ago, has long outgrown its current library, built in 1956. Tyndale House Principal Peter Williams, explained the need for expansion: “For at least three decades we have been running out of space for books in our library and having to come up with ever more creative ways of fitting more in.” Williams added: “We’ve now demolished that library and by God’s grace are building the largest building permitted in our central Cambridge location. This will enable us to continue to expand our physical collection of books, as well as provide increased desk space, an auditorium and space to run multiple events concurrently.”

The £9million project will replace the original two-floor building with a four-storey structure with double the shelf space and an auditorium with capacity for 150 people. With residential accommodation for researchers, the new building will also have ten ensuite rooms, which will be 50% larger than the previous accommodation. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2027.

But this major expansion project isn’t just about putting more books on shelves. “Our aim, with God’s enablement, is to be both a national and a global resource, modelling and showcasing Christian intellectual engagement at the highest academic level with integrity, courage and humility,” Williams said. “We’re also looking to increase dramatically the number of scholars from less-resourced contexts whom we can bring in to study here and return to serve their communities.”

While people from all over the world have travelled to Tyndale House to make use of its impressive collection and 500 PhDs have been completed with the help of its resources, this significant new asset promises new opportunities for the renowned Christian institution.

“This project comes at a significant time as next year will be the 500th anniversary of the martyrdom of William Tyndale, our namesake,” Williams said. “As we look to the future, we recognise an exciting new chapter ahead: an opportunity to expand our campus and research programmes to meet the evolving needs of the global church … When the new building is completed, it will offer our scholars and community innovative workspaces, supported by cutting-edge technology in a modern and distinctive environment. This will truly be a space to flourish.”