A British university has received approval from the city council to repurpose a vast empty office complex into teaching facilities, following the discovery of deteriorating concrete in one of its buildings. The decision, greenlit on April 29th, marks a strategic move by the university to address safety concerns while ensuring continuity in its educational services.
Riley Court, a sprawling 40,000 square foot office space situated within the university’s Science Park, is slated for transformation into classrooms, accommodating both staff and students. This initiative comes in response to the closure of the humanities building last year due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), deemed potentially hazardous.
The university took proactive measures in September, shuttering the single-storey humanities block as a precautionary step following surveys indicating the presence of RAAC. This move aligned with a nationwide trend as concerns over the safety of such materials prompted closures in educational institutions across the country during the same period.
Despite the closure, the university assured that additional assessments would be conducted on the affected building, which houses two lecture halls. While RAAC was also identified in two other university structures, they were deemed to pose no immediate risk, with their roofs in satisfactory condition.
In a bid to mitigate the impact of the closure and address the pressing need for teaching space, a proposal was submitted to repurpose Riley Court for educational purposes in December of last year. The approved plans encompass the full utilisation of the three-storey building’s space for educational activities, as outlined in official documents.
Renovation works are slated to commence within the building to accommodate its new role. A report by council officers underscored the critical necessity of providing usable floor space in close proximity to the main campus to facilitate teaching activities effectively. This imperative arises from an unexpected shortfall in teaching space attributable to the closure of buildings housing RAAC, most notably the humanities block.
The decision to repurpose Riley Court reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff and students while upholding the quality of its educational offerings. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the university aims to mitigate the impact of structural concerns on its academic operations, thereby fostering an environment conducive to learning and research.
As the university proceeds with the conversion of Riley Court into classrooms, stakeholders anticipate a seamless transition that prioritises both safety and educational continuity. This strategic initiative underscores the resilience and adaptability of educational institutions in navigating challenges posed by infrastructure concerns, ensuring a robust and sustainable academic environment for all stakeholders involved.
