Bicentennial Physical Legacy Works FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the Bicentennial Physical Legacy Works happening around our campus. These will continue to be updated should further information become available.

Accessibility

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. Please find the visuals of the available routes on the Construction Timeline webpage. Should any users feel like they need specific support or need to review your Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), please contact your Department Safety Officer or line manager in the first instance.

Please note that from 5 May to the end of July 2025, there will be access changes in the Main Quad, as contractors conduct paving removal and reinstalment works. We encourage you to find more about the works and use Gordon Street or Malet Place entrances to access certain parts of the Wilkins Building to avoid possible disruptions.

Is there a temporary dog spend area available during the works?

Yes. The temporary location for the dog spend area will be on the left-hand side near the front gates by the tree (facing the Portico), as shown by the purple circle in the image below. Heras fencing will be installed to separate the dog spend area from the traffic delivery route through the main gates. A dog spend bin will also be available in the location. If you need any support onsite, please refer to the nearest security point.

Events

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?

While you will not be able to access the Portico for visits or pictures due to health and safety reasons, the Estates Campus Experience team has collaborated with the Events team to organise several activities and photo opportunities around campus. Graduates will receive direct communications with more details.

For the May graduations, paving works will be taking place in the Quad. To ensure a smooth journey, we encourage all graduates and their guests to use alternative routes that avoid the Quad, such as Gordon Street entrance or Malet Place entrance.

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 its 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.

Fire Safety

What if there's a case of a fire or emergency?

The fire evacuation plan has been carefully considered. Please refer to the fire evacuation plan to understand both the accessible and inaccessible escape routes in case of a fire or emergency.

1. For users within the Slade, Chadwick, South Wing and North-West Wing, your evacuation routes will remain the same, however you no longer have an evacuation point, instead you should disperse from the area. You may then return 30 minutes later for an update to determine whether you will be allowed to re-enter the building.
2. For users within the Wilkins Terrace, Jeremy Bentham Room, Garden Room and local offices, please use your nearest available fire exit and vacate the building, following the green emergency exit signs.
3. If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) please contact your Department Safety Officer or line manager to review whether your evacuation plan has been affected by the construction work. Should you require additional support, you will be able to liaise with the fire team via fire@ucl.ac.uk. 

Will my usual fire evacuation route change?

1. For users within the Slade, Chadwick, South Wing and North-West Wing, your evacuation routes will remain the same, however you no longer have an evacuation point, instead you should disperse from the area. You may then return 30 minutes later for an update to determine whether you will be allowed to re-enter the building.
2. For users within the Wilkins Terrace, Jeremy Bentham Room, Garden Room and local offices, please use your nearest available fire exit and vacate the building, following the green emergency exit signs.
3. If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) please contact your Department Safety Officer or line manager to review whether your evacuation plan has been affected by the construction work. Should you require additional support, you will be able to liaise with the fire team via fire@ucl.ac.uk.

Sustainability

What will happen to the Memorial Tree and the gingko trees 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.

A revised scheme has been developed to preserve all the gingko trees on the quad. This plan will now be submitted for planning approval from the relevant statutory authorities. Please read through the latest article for more information, and we will keep the community updated on this matter.

Usage of Spaces

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.

How will I access the Main Library? How will Library users and Library-based staff be impacted during the works?

The Library will remain open while the existing main entrance is 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.

Acoustic blankets will be in place in the Main Library to reduce noise impact starting from March 2025. You can also review what other spaces are available for studying in this article.

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.

Which toilets are in/out of use in the Wilkins Building?

Location	Notes
South Junction	Male toilets are in use. Female toilets will be closed from Monday 26 May to mid-July. Use the toilet next to the Wilkins Refectory as an alternative.
Jeremy Bentham Room	Female toilets are in use before w/c 26 May. Male and female toilets will be closed from w/c 26 May until further notice. Use the toilet next to the Wilkins Refectory as an alternative.
Wilkins Refectory	Currently closed. Will be open before w/c 26 May and will remain open afterwards.
Portico	Closed

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 50 people in JBR and 60 people on the Wilkins Terrace from January 2025. This will be monitored and supoorted by roaming security.

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'.

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.

Can I still use the Whistler Room and Provosts' Dining Room?

No, as they are being removed for the installation of an accessible lift.

Can I still park my bike in the Main Quad?

Since Friday 21 February, a zero tolerance policy for bikes has been enforced in the quad. No bikes are allowed as the bike racks are out of use. If you'd like to find alternative locations nearby, please visit this webpage to find the locations.

If you parked your bike in the quad, it should has been moved inside the quad barriers. Please collect it as soon as possible by requesting assistance from the onsite security team. You will need to present your UCL ID and proof of bike ownership.

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.

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. 

As part of the UCL Estates 2050 vision, the permanent relocation of the Art Museum is being discussed, and more information will be shared with the wider community as it becomes available.

Are there any alternative study spaces available for students during the construction works?

Students may wish to consider alternative study spaces during construction site working hours (8am-6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm Saturday). Students can find spaces and facilities available using the Find Your Favourite Library tool. Read this article to find recommendations on where to study.