New teaching spaces will be created this summer in the next phase of a major renovation of one of the longest serving buildings on the University’s Brayford Campus.
From 30th April 2018, work will begin to refurbish the third floor of the MHT Building, which from the 2018/19 academic year will be renamed the Alfred Tennyson Building.
Work will include creating a further four timetabled teaching spaces with an additional 100 seats, and a new learning lounge for students. The learning lounge is designed to maximise the student experience, and will offer a dedicated space to work and relax, as well as improve the layout of the floor.
During this time there will be no access to the third floor, and staff whose offices are currently located on that floor will be relocated to other office space elsewhere in the building. The internal refurbishments are due to be completed by the start of the 2018/19 academic year.
Externally, the façades of the second and third floors will be enhanced to improve thermal insulation and drainage, and modernise the aesthetics of the building with metallic coloured panels and a large University of Lincoln logo which will be visible from the flyover bridge and the train line, subject to planning permission.
Work is scheduled to begin on the north elevation – the side facing the Brayford Pool – on 29th May 2018 and last for approximately one month. During this period pedestrian access between the Stephen Langton and MHT buildings will be restricted to fire exits only and a diversion will be place to the north of Stephen Langton. Staff and students will still be able to walk between the Student Wellbeing Centre and the Stephen Langton Building.
The contractor will then move on to the west façade, followed by the east façade. The final south elevation work is due to begin 6th August 2018.
During the south elevation works there will be no parking to the rear of the building and staff are reminded not to park there. Please arrange for visitor parking elsewhere during this period.
During all periods of work vehicular access will be maintained.
Efforts have been made to significantly reduce the number of events or relocate events from the MHT building over the summer. Any that remain are being considered on an individual basis to minimise disruption. Signage will be put in place throughout the works to direct staff, students and visitors. Please follow the signage as it will change as the project progresses.
The project is the second stage of significant investment for the soon-to-be Alfred Tennyson building, which had two new lifts installed and lobby areas upgraded earlier this year.
The Estates Department will be working hard with its contractors to minimise disruption to staff and students. Any queries should be directed to the Estates Support Desk on 01522 886777.