Building to UCL’s 200th Anniversary

In 2026 we are celebrating: an ambitious portrait of our future, a groundbreaking present and a fearless past.

Through an exciting and varied programme of activities and events, we will show that UCL200 is a commitment to uphold our core values, embrace our entrepreneurial spirit, inspire future leaders, and contribute to a world where knowledge, research and innovation serves as a force for positive good.   

We want to work with you to shape this programme and create UCL200. Together, let’s pave the way for another two centuries of transformative education, discovery, impact, and global leadership.  

Find out more about how you can get involved including meeting our UCL200 team at a pop-up on 4 June, sharing your ideas and learning more about some of the changes you will start to see to the Quad, Wilkins Building and Gordon Street as part of UCL200’s Physical Legacy. 

Meet the UCL200 and Estates team 

Join us at the UCL200 Programme pop-up on campus for a chance to meet with the UCL200 team and UCL Estates teams to learn about the various projects already underway, including three UCL200 Physical Legacy projects that will help improve our campus as UCL enters its third century. 

When: Tuesday, 4 June from 11am to 3pm 
Where: North Cloisters, Wilkins Building 

UCL200 Programme

We’re keen to hear your ideas and feedback, as well as share more information about how you can be involved in the development and participation of UCL’s Bicentenary celebrations, and activities. 

The Bicentennial programme will be co-produced and co-delivered with our internal community of staff and students.  

Led by the Pro-Provost Bicentennial, Professor Dame Hazel Genn, the UCL200 Programme is being developed and delivered by: 

• Lucy Briggs, UCL200 Programme Director who joined the programme in September 2023  
• Asyma Raheel, UCL200 Project Manager who joined the programme in January 2024  
• Tania Trosini, Head of External Engagement and Operations, Office of the President & Provost who joined the programme in 2022

The UCL200 team has been working collaboratively across faculties, professional services, and our student community to build the programme and establish a comprehensive structure that will support the delivery of the programme throughout 2026. 

The small and highly committed core team, working within the President and Provost’s Office, are eager to hear from you! Please contact the UCL200 team with any feedback, comments, or queries. 

Physical Legacy

As part of the UCL200 Programme, UCL has identified three Physical Legacy projects that will help improve our campus as UCL enters its third century. These projects are focused on improving student, staff and visitor experience with accessibility and sustainability key strands throughout.   

At the UCL200 Programme Pop-Up, there will be a showcase of the UCL200 Physical Legacy plans and details on the proposed changes to the Quad, Wilkins Building and Gordon Street, and an opportunity to learn about the history of UCL’s Quad through a bespoke exhibition prepared by Professor Georgina Brewis and Dr Amy Spencer.   

The UCL200 Physical Legacy projects are as follows:    

• Enhancing the Main Quad – by transforming this iconic space for UCL’s 3rd Century ensuring it is both impressive as well as functional, fit for purpose and accessible by all. 
• Improving functionality and community space in the Wilkins Building – reutilising the Ground Floor to create a series of multi-functional spaces at the heart of the campus as locations for the UCL community to gather, study, and relax. 
• Enhancement and pedestrianisation of Gordon Street – 2026 will be the first phase of this part of the Physical Legacy project. It will need to be delivered in partnership with Camden Council to collectively create an outdoor environment attractive to students, staff and local community. 

Building on previous UCL Estates’ plans, these projects will create exciting new spaces for students, staff, and visitors. Most importantly they will better connect Gordon Street and Gower Street as well as the Student Centre and the Japanese Garden.     

UCL Estates, and key internal stakeholders, are currently working with Burwell Architects (Main Quad and Wilkins Building) and Nicholas Hare Architects (Gordon Street) on the designs for these spaces and how they will be used in the future. Both architects have worked with UCL previously on projects such as the Lower Refectory, the Eastman Dental Institute, The Student Centre, and School of Management.  

With works due to start in November 2024, and continuing through to January 2026, it is recognised that there will be some impact on the use of these areas during the programme, but the Estates’ Project Team will be supporting stakeholders to mitigate this as much as possible. Further information will be provided to the UCL community in due course, as a programme of works are developed.