Feedback shapes future of campus

Earlier this year, 2,000 staff and students took part in Campus Reimagined Live! 2026 to explore what the future of our campus could look like and share feedback on these possibilities.

Their ideas have been brought together with suggestions from 3,000 attendees at last year’s Campus Reimagined Live! event, as well as feedback received via email, activities and workshops, to help define our masterplan framework – the principles which will guide how we plan, develop and manage campus over the next 15 years and beyond.

Find out what we heard at the event and discover how our community’s voices are shaping the future.

A joyful campus

At Campus Reimagined Live! 2026, every visitor was invited to vote on which event theme mattered most to them: space, joy, community or future. Joy was the most popular theme by a clear margin, chosen by 42% of staff and students.

Wider discussions and feedback across the event echoed the poll results. Participants wanted campus to feel less transactional and rushed, and more social, playful and human. Staff particularly connected joy to collegiality, wellbeing and a more vibrant working environment.

Overall, experience emerged as the primary driver of ideas and hopes for the future of campus. This reaffirms our commitment to creating a joyful, collaborative and engaging environment, with campus experience at the heart of our long-term planning.

The value of green spaces

“We need more green in campus. Green = wellbeing” – attendee, Campus Reimagined Live! 2026

The importance of green spaces, nature and wildlife was one of the strongest areas of consensus across all feedback. Staff and students described green spaces not only as environmental infrastructure, but as essential to their wellbeing and sense of belonging. 

When asked what campus will be like in ten years, 13% of 380 responses mentioned more green space and nature – the most prevalent theme.   

In addition, we received hundreds of suggestions for more and different types of seating, particularly outdoors. 

We are considering how principles for the future development of campus can reflect the value our community places on spending time in nature. For example, rationalising vehicle movement on campus could create opportunities to transform streets into greener, people-focused spaces with more seating.

Identities and silos

One of the possibilities we explored at Campus Reimagined Live! 2026 was “Campus Quarters”, with participants invited to divide campus into four named zones to strengthen identity.

However, staff and students raised concerns about how this approach could deepen silos. We are now considering a simpler structure, characterising key areas to improve wayfinding while enhancing connection across campus.

Clarity and accessibility

“We love campus, but it needs better signage” – attendee, Campus Reimagined Live! 2026

Staff and students told us that a new approach to wayfinding is essential to make campus easier to navigate, more cohesive, and genuinely open.

Discussions also highlighted the need for a clear, direct and step-free pedestrian route connecting the north and south of main campus which could address both wayfinding and accessibility, as well as strengthening the social heart of campus.

Reflecting this feedback, we are adjusting the priority levels of potential developments in signage, wayfinding and campus-wide routes.

Untapped potential

There were mixed views on our large campus buildings. While noting poor user experiences and an unwelcoming environment, many staff and students saw huge potential through redesign, repurpose and improving access.

With this in mind, we are prioritising retrofit and renewal of existing buildings. As well as transforming the least effective spaces, this approach will reduce environmental impact.

What’s next?

We will continue to provide regular updates on emerging principles for our future campus.

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Planning and development will continue to be shaped by our community. Share your thoughts and ask us anything at [email protected], or use the online form if you would prefer to be anonymous.