Reimagining UCL’s facilities for the next century

As UCL approaches its bicentenary in 2026, the university is taking a momentous step into its third century. Few places on campus are as symbolic of UCL’s identity as our Main Quad.

For generations of students and staff, it has been the gateway to a world of ideas, processions, portraits and personal milestones. Now, the Quad is set for a transformation that balances that legacy with an ambitious vision for the future.

Redeveloping the Quad

Since its last major update in 2006, the Quad has served many purposes, including as a car park, temporary teaching site and festival venue. But its full potential has remained just out of reach.

Currently, the Quad is not fully wheelchair accessible, there is limited access to power, water or seating, and the grass areas become almost unusable during the winter months.

The renovation will tackle all these issues and more.

UCL front Quad before the building of the new entrance, 1998

The following images are example architectural renders of how the new Quad could look, although they do not necessarily represent the final design.

Image Source: Burwell Architects

The new designs prioritise level access to every building surrounding the Quad.

New landscaping with raised beds and planters will enhance biodiversity and greenness.

The redeveloped Quad will support year-round use and include new seating and lighting infrastructure for events, ‘pop-up’ facilities and outdoor study.

These improvements will make the Quad not only more beautiful but more welcoming and inclusive, helping to create a campus that reflects the needs of everyone at UCL.

A new chapter for the Wilkins Building

Just off the Quad, the Wilkins Building is also preparing for a 21st-century makeover. Following the founding of UCL, construction of this iconic neoclassical structure began on Gower Street in 1827.

Now, the historic Cloisters will be transformed into vibrant social and exhibition spaces. Plans include four flexible rooms tailored for everything from performances to academic showcases. One of the most striking features will be the “UCL Eye,” a floor-to-ceiling LED screen embedded at the west end of the North Cloisters. This installation will showcase artwork, generative AI and data visualisations created by the UCL community, bringing cutting-edge technology to this historic core. Additionally, a bespoke art piece will be commissioned for the new space in 2026.

The redevelopment will also help to create an increasingly open space for the UCL community and visitors, with new access routes better linking the Library, the Jeremy Bentham Room and the Refectory. A new lift will be installed to provide step free access and connect the Jeremy Bentham Room to the Refectory. This presents a unique opportunity to build a public realm for creative expression, representing UCL’s past, present, and future.

The cloisters as they are now

An example architectural render of the cloisters after redevelopment

Honouring the past through building for the future

These improvements are not about erasing the past but about honouring it. By retaining and enhancing Grade I-listed structures, reuniting the Quad and Wilkins through improved access, and preserving UCL’s unique architectural identity, the project reflects the deep affection our community has for the campus.

The redevelopment is scheduled to finish in late 2025, ready for UCL’s bicentennial celebrations that will begin in early 2026.

As UCL prepares to celebrate two centuries of radical thinking, the message is clear: the spaces we move through shape the ideas we share. This redevelopment honours the memories of past students and staff while ensuring future generations can create their own, on a campus designed for everyone.