Close
Frequently asked questions about the Bicentennial Physical Legacy Works happening around our campus. These will continue to be updated should further information become available.
- What spaces/rooms will be affected/closed?
The Main Quad, North and South Cloisters, Haldane Room, North and South Offices, Art Museum, Whistler Room and Provosts' Dining Room will all be part of the refurbishment works, and will be closed between January 2025- January 2026. During this time, there will also be reduced capacity and different access routes for the Wilkins Terrace and Jeremy Bentham Room.
- Can I still use the Jeremy Bentham Room (JBR), and Wilkins Terrace?
The JBR and Wilkins Terrace will still be used as normal for teaching and other activities, however due to reduced access/fire exit routes from the works, the capacity will need to be reduced to 60 people in each of the space from January 2025. Access will be via the Refectory stairs or through the Bloomsbury Theatre entrance. The Wilkins Terrace will have a covering at all times (full-sided marquee during the winter months, and an open sided tent during the summer months). The JBR will only be available after 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ad hoc event bookings, due to teaching and other commitments.
All of these spaces will need to be booked by logging onto MyServices and using the 'Restricted Rooms Booking Form'.
- How will I access the library?
The existing main entrance to the library will be closed for the duration of the works. Alternative access has been agreed with Library Services and will be via the South Junction on Level 01, accessible via the stairs or lift. You will still require your ID to obtain entry, as the card reader gates will be relocated to this temporary entrance.
- Where is the Art Museum going to be located?
The Art Museum will be temporarily relocated to the Wilkins Building, South Wing across 2 spaces- Ground Floor, G17/G19, and Level 1, room 7. This will allow for teaching to continue as usual.
- I have additional accessibility requirements, will I still be able to navigate around campus?
Navigation will still be possible around campus, as accessible routes are planned within all mitigations. We plan to share visuals of the available routes prior to the normal routes being closed off, and they will be shared via these pages.
- Will the Housman Room still be open?
The Housman Room is expected to stay open throughout the works, although there may be some noise impact from the surrounding works. Should access need to be modified at any time during the programme, the members will receive direct communication from the Housman Room Manager.
- I work/study in surrounding areas of the works, will I be impacted?
All Builder Users within the area have been communicated with, and should you not be aware, we recommend you speak to your line manager if you have concerns. Mitigations have been put into place for those that are not within the scope of the programme, but there may still be some noise impact during the works.
- Will student experience activities and events still be able to take place?
The Estates Campus Experience Team have been working closely with the Students' Union (SU) to mitigate the impact by finding alternative locations for the multiple activities and events that take place throughout the year. These include both spaces internally to UCL, as well as nearby external locations through the University of London. Details of each event location will be provided by the SU via their website. You can also read their article on the works here.
- I usually hold events in these central spaces, what are my options whilst these are closed?
Whilst these are closed, alternative spaces will need to be used for your events, either internally at UCL or by booking another venue externally within London. Any additional costs will be the individual Department's responsibility. There is information and guidance on our room booking page on how to book internal rooms. Becoming a member of the Events Management Community of Practice (CoP) may also be helpful during this time, as should further information/support be able to be given, it will be shared to the CoP directly.
- I am graduating in 2025, will I still be able to visit campus with my family and friends?
The Estates Campus Experience team will be working with the appointed Contractor to provide access for a Graduation moment on central campus. Further information will be shared nearer the time.
- I want to visit Campus as a prospective student, am I still able to?
Yes, campus will still be open for visitors, although you will not be able to visit the central areas that are closed as part of the works. Prospective student tours will still be taking place and you can find more information and book your place via the website. Our Admissions and Recruitment Hub will also remain open within the Chadwick Building for both Undergraduates and Postgraduates enquiries.
- What is UCL planning for it’s 200th anniversary in 2026?
2026 is the year in which we mark 200 years since UCL’s establishment as the first University in London. The ambition of the Bicentenary year is to celebrate and reinforce UCL’s founding values, to highlight the excellence and impact of UCL’s groundbreaking work, and to present an ambitious and inspiring portrait of our future. Find out more and how you can get involved by visiting the UCL200 webpages.
- Will the Refectory still be open?
The refectory will remain open, however access will only be via the back of the student centre, Japanese Garden steps or Wilkins Terrace steps. You will not be able to access from the Quad.
- What will happen to the Memorial Tree in the Main Quad?
The Indian Bean tree, which is dedicated to the memory of Gladys Wundowa will be conserved as part of the works.