Sales development manager Kate Wain takes us behind the scenes at The Pitt Building
Cambridge Edition: The Pitt Building is one of the most iconic buildings in Cambridge. Can you share a bit about its history?
Kate Wain: The Pitt Building, on Trumpington Street, was commissioned in honour of William Pitt the Younger – an undergraduate of Pembroke College in Cambridge – who, in 1783, became Britain’s youngest prime minister aged just 24. The foundation stone was laid on 18 October 1831 and the building was completed and handed over to the University of Cambridge in 1833.
Host meetings in the Oriel Room
The building is rich in Cambridge’s publishing and academic history, serving as the base for Cambridge University Press’ operations – including printing books, journals and bibles – until 1963.
It’s still owned and operated by Cambridge University Press & Assessment today, now offering a wonderful meeting and event space to hire in the city centre.
CE: I can imagine the sense of past is almost palpable in its rooms and corridors – what’s it like working there?
KW: The team feel privileged to be the custodians of such a special building. We are reminded of the rich history of
our surroundings every day, as we watch visitors gasp at the beauty and grandeur of the Oriel Room or learn the history of the ground-floor rooms, which once housed the old printing presses.
Many local people have a connection with the building through family members who have worked here over the years, and they visit us to see how the building has changed over time. We therefore feel part of Cambridge and our local history.
CE: These days, it’s one of the city’s top conference venues. How has it been transformed for modern-day needs?
KW: Back in 2004, The Pitt Building was renovated and repurposed to offer meeting and event facilities for up to 250 people. Our aim was to combine the traditional and modern; I believe we have achieved this balance well.
The six rooms available to hire are all unique in character and exude Cambridge charm, yet are fully equipped for both hybrid and in-person meetings. In fact, we are just completing a further exciting refurbishment project on the ground floor that will offer a wonderful reception and networking space for up to 100 people.
Unwind in the Wellbeing Room
CE: What kinds of functions can it cater for and what facilities does it boast?
KW: The building offers an exceptional space for a variety of meetings, events and exhibitions. There’s AV technology in every room, plenty of natural light, individual climate control and exhibition-standard lighting available. Our bespoke catering packages include a wonderful selection of plant-based menus, and our Wellbeing Room provides a quiet space.
CE: Does it host any other events?
KW: We host around 400 events every year, including training sessions, board meetings, interviews, public art exhibitions and fairs, team away days, filming, summer schools and evening receptions.
CE: What’s your favourite room?
KW: My favourite room is the Oriel Room, which, for me, is one of the most stunning meeting rooms in Cambridge.
When I was a child, I loved to surround myself with books, and that passion for reading has never left me. The books on the shelves in this room link back to our heritage and are all published by Cambridge University Press. To be able to spend a quiet moment during the day in such a beautiful, tranquil space is very special indeed.
