Delivering urgent improvements to heating and ventilation in vital teaching venue
Built in 1959, the Sidgwick Lecture Block is one of the University’s principal teaching hubs, used by many faculties and departments and for examinations. It has been known to be in poor condition for some years, and recent surveys by the Estates Division and the Programme Board for Education Space confirmed that it was below the functional standard required for education space in the University.
The Planning and Resources Committee (PRC) agreed there was a need for substantial and immediate investment to make this building fit for purpose, with an initial project to undertake the most urgent remedial work starting in July 2021. This project will replace and restore the heating and ventilation systems, which were at end of life, improve accessibility, and completely refresh the interior decoration and facilities. It will also remove extensive asbestos and repair the roof. Works to be undertaken in future years include further improvements to the building’s energy efficiency.
The initial phase of works is programmed for completion by 31 January 2022, so that the building may reopen to students and staff in Lent Term 2022. The budget for this work is £9.274m, to be met from the PRC’s Investment Fund (former Capital Fund) and the Building Maintenance Fund.
Faculties that rely on the Sidgwick Lecture Block for their teaching are being offered alternative venues for Michaelmas Term 2021 and a temporary alternative structure is being provided to house the Islamic Society Prayer Room.
The Sidgwick Lecture Block renovation is part of the larger programme of works overseen by the Programme Board for Education Space, which is investing over £8M in upgrading and refitting vital education spaces across the University.