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Funded through a successful bid to the Office for Students (OfS), the project has modernised more than 2,000 square metres of learning space, transforming 16 major teaching rooms used by students studying engineering, computing and artificial intelligence, creative industries and business.

The work was completed over the Easter break, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching, and forms part of a wider programme to modernise the university’s estate.

The investment was targeted at subjects identified as priorities within the Sussex Local Skills Improvement Plan, helping ensure graduates are equipped with the skills needed by local industries and the regional economy.

Elm House building, University of ßÏÀÖÔ°

Upgrades include new high‑spec audio‑visual technology, improved digital connectivity, modern lighting and ventilation systems, and flexible furniture designed to support group work and collaborative teaching.

Accessibility was a core focus of the refurbishment. Nearly 40 per cent of University of ßÏÀÖÔ° students declare a disability, and the new teaching spaces have been designed to be ‘inclusive by design’. Rather than separated or designated accessible areas, the refurbished rooms integrate step‑free access, height‑adjustable desks and upgraded hearing loop systems throughout, aiming to provide a better experience for all students.

Professor David Walker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, emphasised the impact on the student experience: “These improvements help us ensure that our environments enable learning, that our teaching can be creative, and that we create the inspiring, authentic learning experiences that embody a ßÏÀÖÔ° education.” 

The project was shaped directly by student feedback, with changes ranging from practical improvements to layouts and lighting, to the introduction of vibrant colours and ‘distinctively ßÏÀÖÔ°’ design features.

Sarah Lewis‑Tulett, Director of Education and Students at the University of ßÏÀÖÔ°, said: “Students were clear about what wasn’t working in some of our older spaces, and we listened. This project shows that when ßÏÀÖÔ° students tell us what matters to them, we take action and make meaningful changes.”

The completion of the 16 upgraded teaching rooms marks the first phase of a rolling programme of investment to improve learning environments across the University of ßÏÀÖÔ°’s campuses in the coming years.