Summer building work in the Philip Robinson Library
22 May 2026
From 1 June, work will be taking place over the summer to completely refurbish Level 1 of the Philip Robinson Library.
Below we outline why we’re making these changes, what we’re planning and the key benefits of improving the space, and information on alternative times to use the library and other locations available should you need to study elsewhere.
Why have you chosen to do this work, and what are your plans?
User Experience (UX) and headcount data has shown us it is one of the most popular spaces in the library, but it is dated, the teaching clusters are too small to handle the group sizes we teach, and there is no accessible toilet provision.
Over the summer we plan to:
- Open the space on Level 1, creating a larger collaborative study area, providing additional collaborative furniture and individual work areas for students, including enhanced group study rooms.
- Introduce a 48-person capacity PC cluster, creating one consolidated, modern cluster with ergonomic furniture, collaborative zones, and advanced technology. Flexible layouts and digital tools will enable innovative teaching methods.
- Refurbish Room 152 to create a 32-capacity teaching/activity space with new Audio-Visual Equipment.
- With an eye on sustainability, reuse some of the existing furniture and add additional collaborative and single study space furniture within the newly created space.
- Enhance toilet provision including the addition of accessible amenities.
Key benefits of improving the space
We’ve identified a number of benefits to improving this space:
Responding to Growth:
The current teaching spaces in Tees and Hope are no longer fit for larger cohort sizes, and this refurbishment addresses capacity and delivery challenges.
Enhancing Student Experience:
The refurbishment will deliver a more comfortable, inclusive, and modern learning environment aligned with student expectations.
Future-Focused Learning:
New technology-enabled, flexible spaces will support innovative teaching and learning approaches.
Smarter Use of Space and Resources:
Consolidating teaching areas improves efficiency and enables more effective use of staff and facilities.
Creating High-Quality Digital Learning Environments:
A new 48-seat PC cluster and upgraded AV provision will provide consistent, high-standard teaching spaces.
Supporting Flexible Study:
Expanded collaborative and individual study areas will cater to diverse learning styles.
Improving Accessibility:
The inclusion of accessible toilet facilities ensures the space is inclusive for all users.
Sustainable Approach:
Reusing existing furniture alongside targeted upgrades supports sustainability and responsible investment.
Maximising a Popular Space:
The refurbishment builds on an already well-used area, transforming it into a modern, future-ready facility.
When will the work be taking place and what can I do if I’m disturbed by noise?
Work will take place from 1 June and will last throughout the summer. We understand that this will impact on studying in the library, and alternative spaces are available for students and staff in the nearby Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms, the Walton Library and other study spaces on campus. If you are an external user, you may wish to visit the library during the evenings or at weekends when there will be no building works taking place