Staff relocated and study space closed as University House shuts for renovation until 2027

University House, Warwick’s main administrative building and home of the Learning Grid, has closed for essential maintenance and repair work and is not expected to reopen until 2027.  

Staff based in University House were moved out of the building from the end of November, with access to the building limited from the Christmas break onwards. Work is due to begin on the building this month.

During the closure, staff will be relocated to the building’s annex and to Swallow House, which is located next door to the closed building.

The work at University House will create a more comfortable working environment for staff and students by addressing persistent issues with the heating and cooling systems, as well as water leaks.

Improvements are intended to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, supporting the University’s sustainability strategy

Maintenance will also be carried out on existing windows and curtain walling.

The improvements are intended to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, supporting the University’s sustainability strategy, and helping to ensure that University House remains fit for use for years to come.

Several key systems – including fire alarms and emergency lighting – will be replaced, alongside work to flat roof areas.

In addition, new teaching rooms will be created on the ground floor to support growing student numbers. As the space is currently underused for teaching, these rooms are expected to be both necessary and cost-effective.

Students who used the building’s Learning Grid, which offered collaborative working space in a relaxed environment, will also need to look elsewhere for study space

Any meetings previously booked in University House for 2026 are now cancelled, and alternative spaces will need to be arranged, including online options and rooms in Swallow House where available – though the alternative building offers less meeting space than University House.

Students who used the building’s Learning Grid, which offered collaborative working space in a relaxed environment, will also need to look elsewhere for study space in the likes of Swallow House or the nearby Millburn House, in addition to the University’s other study spaces and Learning Grids.

Staff who have migrated to Swallow House during the renovations will have less access to facilities during the renovations. Swallow House has no café, for example, and bike storage options are also currently under review.

Current estimates suggest work will be completed on University House by January 2027. However, staff and students are not expected to re-enter the building until March next year.