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 - Wilkins Building, Quad and Gordon Street

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.

For Gordon Street users, the disabled parking bays and drop-off points in front of the Bloomsbury Theatre will not be affected. Wheelchair users can access the Christopher Ingold Building using the newly installed ramp on the south side of Gordon Street.

For Wilkins and Quad users, 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.

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 - Wilkins Building and Quad

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.

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 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 website.

Fire Safety - Wilkins Building, Quad and Gordon Street

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

For Gordon Street, the usual entrances to surrounding buildings will remain open, and all fire escape routes will be unaffected. For Main Quad and Wilkins Building, 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 - Wilkins Building, Quad and Gordon Street

How will the construction works affect the level of sustainability on our campus?

Sustainability is one of the key strands to the physical legacy works. The Project Team is collaborating closely with the Sustainable UCL team, experts from The Bartlett and external architects to ensure that sustainability principles and strategies are fully embedded in the design.

For the Main Quad, existing trees will be retained wherever possible, and additional native trees will be planted to further enhance the area. Existing York stone will be reused where appropriate, particularly in areas adjacent to the surrounding buildings. Proposed enhancements also include the creation of ephemeral wetlands, the development of structural habitats using circular economy materials, and the installation of seasonal or temporary edge protection and signage.

On Gordon Street, a green wall and canopy will be installed on the Christopher Ingold Building. Native UK species will be used for both the green wall and canopy planting. The roof will be designed to capture rainwater, serving as an irrigation source while also helping to attenuate surface water discharge.

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.

In response to community feedback, the updated design plan has been approved, and all existing ginkgo trees in the Main Quad will be preserved. Alongside the new trees planned for planting, there will be an overall increase in the number of trees in the Quad by 2026, enhancing sustainability and biodiversity on campus. 

Usage of Spaces - Wilkins Building and Quad

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 - February 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 Main 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 read this article to review alternative study spaces during UCL200 building works.

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.

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 or on the Gordon Street?

No bikes are allowed as the bike racks are out of use. Please visit this webpage to find the alternative bike parking locations.

I work/study in surrounding areas of the works, will I be impacted? 

All building 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.

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

The Portico toilets will be closed during the construction works. The toilets in the Jeremy Bentham Room, South Junction, and Wilkins Refectory will remain open most of the time, although temporary closures may occur to ensure the works can be completed safely. Visit the Construction Timeline webpage for more information about toilet closures.