Modern windows will be installed throughout 2 West to replace the existing wooden framed ones.

We are sorry that this will cause inconvenience for students and staff. However, it is essential work and the new windows will offer vastly improved thermal and sound insulation.

The timeline below sets out next steps and we will be updating the community as work progresses.

November 2019

The contractors are working from a temporary base at the back of 4 West to assemble hoarding and scaffolding on The Parade along the perimeter of 2 West. The accessible lift entrance will remain open. As the works progress, access to Claverton Rooms will change to the second set of doors at Parade level, which will be clearly signposted.

From mid-November, hoardings will also go up alongside the windows inside the Claverton Rooms. Contractors will then replace the windows along the length of the building in sequence, with the aim of completion by March 2020. To allow the completion of work, it will be necessary to remove some seating, including the section of the soft seating area that overlooks the lake.

From Monday 25 November:

  • The Claverton Rooms opening time will change to 11:30am, with lunch served as normal.

  • Parade Bar & Grill will open from 9am serving hot drinks, cakes and pastries to offer an alternative space.

  • Wessex Restaurant will also be opening from 9am to 3pm as a space to conduct meetings and socialise over this period.

December 2019

In mid-December, Claverton Rooms will close for a week. We will keep you updated on this and opening times for January 2020 in due course.

January – September 2020

Work after Christmas will affect Parade Bar & Grill and Fountain Canteen.

From January 2020, Parade Bar & Grill will close to enable works on the lower level of the building, reopening in April 2020. Fountain Canteen will operate a reduced service from May to September 2020.

Initial tests show that asbestos is unlikely to affect the works. However, as a precaution specialist contractors will remove the window frames under controlled conditions.

If this situation changes, the works will immediately be assessed in accordance with the University asbestos management policy.

As with any project, the timescales may change if the contractors encounter any unexpected issues and we will keep you updated as the project progresses

If you have any comments or questions, please contact Estates Helpdesk.