Major investment enhances student study space

A major £365,000 refurbishment project at ‘Building 46’ is enhancing the experience of students in both Physics & Astronomy and the Optoelectronics Research Centre.

The summer project has created a bright and open independent study space with design inputs coming from current Physics students. This has been completed alongside a refurbishment of the foyer area which included improvement to, lighting, furniture and the introduction of large display screens. Improvements have also been made to the side corridors to create even more space for the students to use and staff have been pleased to see how students have immediately been making great use of the new study facilities.

The Faculty contributed £96,000 towards the funding of this important project, with £120,000 coming from Estates & Facilities (for the lighting) and £149,000 from the University’s Capital Programme.

Professor Jonathan Flynn, Head of Physics and Astronomy, said: “We work hard to provide a secure, friendly environment in which to learn. This is something we’ve been wanting to do for some time and it is now looking really good and enriching our students’ experience. Students are using the improved facilities and are saying that they like it.”

Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, said: “Our Faculty is committed to providing students and staff with the best possible working environment. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped find the money and deliver this project in such a rapid time. We have even more ambitious plans for this building which I look forward to pursuing in my time as Dean.”

Charlotte Parry, President of the PhySoc student society, added: “The biggest change for students is the library; it’s now a much more open space so it’s a lot easier to go and do some work. It’s a nice environment to work in and I see a lot of people in there.”

Colin Miles, a former Technical Superintendent for Building 46, cut the ribbon at the official opening. Mr Miles, who retired in 2015 after 38 years’ service, said: “It’s good for the students to have somewhere they can call home. We’ve been wanting to change the foyer area for many years and through the good work of the department, Estates & Facilities and the wider University, it’s all come together. The space is now a great environment which feels very modern.”