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King's Gate Refurbishment
Levels 1 and 2

Learn about the future home of Student Services

The refurbishment of King's Gate

King’s Gate opened in 2009 to provide a front door for the University and a ‘one stop shop’ for Student Services.  Since then, the way in which students access our services has evolved.  This has highlighted the need for the student spaces in King’s Gate to adapt in response to changing student needs and expectations.

Following consultation with students and colleagues, we've developed an ambitious design. The new design will enable the creation of an adaptable, flexible space for the University community now and in the future.

This is going to be a transformational project for the University, using our 'front door' as somewhere we can really showcase the amazing work that we do here and somewhere that is really welcoming for our students so they can access services and support.

Naomi Oosman-Watts, Director of Student Success

What will change?

  • We will prioritise Level 1 for student-focussed activities. Currently only 19% of the floor space is available for student-focussed activities.

  • We will create a more welcoming environment for all visitors to King's Gate as somewhere they will want to visit not just somewhere they need to visit.

  • We will support the development of student-centred spaces across campus and provide more event space for University activities.

A design of how the event space on Level 1 will look
A graphic depicting what the Level 1 helpdesk will look like after the refurbishment

Level 1 helpdesk

A graphic depicting how the Level 2 waiting area will look

Level 2 waiting area

A projection of how the Level 1 coffee servery will look

Level 1 coffee servery

A projection of how the 1-to-1 spaces will look

Semi private 1-to-1 spaces

How consultation rooms will look following the refurbishment

Consultation rooms

How long will the building work last?

The building works are currently planned to begin in summer 2024. We plan to complete the work in time to welcome students for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

How will I access Student Services currently located in King’s Gate from Summer 2024?

Services and support, including wellbeing support, will continue to be available throughout the redevelopment.

Key dates to note:  

  • Student Services will continue to operate from Levels 1 and 2 of King’s Gate until Friday 21 June 2024.
  • From Monday 24 June until Monday 8 July 2024, Student Services will be available by phone on 0191 208 3333 and from a temporary helpdesk in the foyer of Level 1 King’s Gate.    

Students with pre-booked appointments will be offered online appointments or advised of alternative locations on campus if an appointment is taking place in person.

From Tuesday 9 July 2024 until September 2025, Student Services will operate a helpdesk for all in-person enquiries (including urgent wellbeing concerns) from Great North House (building No. 72 on the campus map - situated between the Hancock Pub and the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms). 

In-person appointments will take place at various locations across campus – students will be advised of the location when they book, and directions will be provided.

The Student Services Enquiries line – 0191 208 3333 – will continue to operate as normal throughout the redevelopment. 

Where can I find further information?

We will continue to keep you updated on progress with regular updates on this webpage.