Kingston University has officially celebrated the major transformation of the ground floor at its Main Building at Penrhyn Road, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to student success and community engagement in South West London.
The launch event on November 6, brought together local dignitaries, industry leaders and members of the University community. Deputy Mayor Councillor Sue Ansari cut the ribbon alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier and Kingston Students’ Union President Hamza Haroon.
During the event guests took part in guided tours, student showcases and exhibitions. There were also opportunities to engage in an immersive experience where King Athelstan was brought to life by academics through virtual reality, part of the University’s link up with Kingston Council’s Kingston 2025 cultural programme.
Completed in partnership with BMJ Architects and Neilcott Construction, the £23m redevelopment has transformed the campus with cutting-edge learning and social spaces. Highlights include Future Skills studios, an Employer Connect hub for industry collaboration and a new Careers Centre, facilities designed to support students’ career confidence and skills development.
Addressing guests, Professor Spier said the transformation of the ground floor marks a significant step in the University’s commitment to enhancing the student experience – in keeping with the RIBA Stirling Prize-winning Town House adjacent to the main building. “This newly redeveloped space offers a dynamic and flexible environment where students can meet, collaborate and feel a stronger sense of belonging,” he said. “It reflects Kingston University’s vision to invest in vibrant, inclusive spaces across our estate that encourage our students to stay on campus outside of their lectures and make their own – as well as supporting their Future Skills development and learning experience.”
The transformed ground floor also boasts a striking new entrance and atrium on Penrhyn Road, designed to create a more prominent and inviting gateway to the University. This welcoming space embraces not only students and staff but also the wider Kingston community. Accessibility enhancements include the installation of a new lift adjacent to the main reception and the introduction of the campus’s first Changing Places toilet ensuring an inclusive environment for all visitors.
