Gonville & Caius College is launching Acropolis At Caius, a sophisticated marquee structure to be located in the attractive gardens on its West Road site. Adjacent Caius buildings include the Cavonius Conference Centre, together with vacation period residential facilities for 175 in Harvey Court and The Stephen Hawking Building.
The 2,150 sq ft facility, which will provide a unique setting for a wide range of events, will be available from July 2019 for a 15-month period whilst some of the College’s kitchen and dining facilities around the Old Courts Main Hall undergo a major refurbishment programme.
Named Acropolis for its intriguing architectural shape and multiple glass sides around its linked hexagonal structures, it will provide outdoor views into the gardens mirroring the open aspect of the ancient citadel located above the city of Athens. Up to 140 can be seated on round tables for dinner, up to 100 cabaret style and 180 theatre style.
Eve Stupart, Conference Manager at Gonville & Caius said: “Launching our new events space is an exciting initiative for us, enabling organisers to enjoy a stunning and novel setting which will enhance meetings, conferences and dinners. It will also allow us to hold Christmas Parties – both private events and joiner party nights – in this atmospheric environment. In the Summer, the surrounding gardens will provide a perfect backdrop for drinks receptions and outdoor events.
“It also presents an excellent opportunity for us to relaunch our dining offering once our new facilities are completed, with a product that will take Caius dining to the future.
“We are particularly excited that we will be able to accommodate large dinners seated on round tables – up to 140 people in total – which is difficult to find in Cambridge.”
Jennifer Phillips, Operations Director at Gonville & Caius added: “The Acropolis will offer a refreshing alternative for event organisers looking for a venue with a difference. Set in the gardens on our West Road site, it will also help to introduce visitors to our first-class facilities there including Harvey Court, the Cavonius Centre and The Stephen Hawking Building.”
An Open Event is being held on Wednesday 11th July from 4.00-6.00pm to introduce existing and potential clients to the concept of Acropolis, talk to the Conference Team and sample drinks and canapes.
Image: The team at Gonville & Caius celebrate new events space, left to right: Andrew Gair, Estates Manager; Jennifer Phillips, Operations Director; Ricardo Soares, Director of Catering; Eve Stupart, Conference & Events Manager; Simon Gascoyne, Deputy Conference Manager; Laura Webb, Conference Coordinator; and Christophe Benedetti, Deputy Catering Manager.