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Construction work taking place on campus: a new building for SPECS

Information about the construction of the new building for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS).

A new state-of-the-art building is being constructed for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS) with plans to be completed by Spring 2024. This sustainable building will include a robotics lab, advanced cybersecurity facilities and a flight simulator.  

Building work has started on the College Lane campus to create this new sustainable home for SPECS. Read on to find out what this means for you. You can also find out more about what is planned for the building on our website. 

1. Will there be any disruptions for staff and students during construction?   

We’ve designed the works to minimise disruption as much as possible. All works will be contained to the building area, which will be enclosed. A bridge next to the Boulevard has been constructed to allow safe access over the site. A step-free accessible route has been provided via a gate next to the bridge and is clearly signposted.  

Staff car parks H and K will be closed until Spring 2024. We’ve closed a number of disabled parking spaces by the CP Snow building, which have been replaced with spaces in front of the Health Research Building on Coales Way. Anyone requiring access to these spaces should contact the Disability Support team.   

2. How much noise will there be? Will this affect exams?  

As with any construction site, there will be some noise. The construction team will work 08.00 - 18.00 Monday to Friday, so there will be no noise outside of those hours. We understand how important exam weeks are for students, so noisy works will be restricted during exam weeks.   

 3. Which car parks will be closed during this time?  

Staff car parks H and K are closed until Spring 2024. We’ve closed a number of disabled parking spaces by the CP Snow building, which have been replaced with spaces in front of the Health Research Building on Coales Way. Anyone requiring access should contact the Disability Support team.  

4. How will I be able to navigate campus? Which paths will be closed? Are all the paths accessible? 

The Boulevard will be closed for the duration of the works, but there will be a bridge next to it to cross the site during the working day (08.00 – 18.00). A step-free accessible route will be provided via a gate next to the bridge.  

Outside of these hours, the disabled access route next to the bridge will be open to all.    

There will also be a temporary footpath along the side of the site, which is fully accessible and will be available whilst construction takes place.   

5. Who can I speak to about the building? 

If you’re in the School of Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science, you can talk to your programme leader about the new building, or you can contact the Estates team with any general questions.  

 6. Who can I speak to if I have a complaint? 

Please submit any complaints to the Estates helpdesk.