Morgan Sindall starts £23.1m Portsmouth Student Hub

Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on the £23.1m refurbishment and extension of the University of Portsmouth’s Student Hub. The 3,125 sq m building at Ravelin Park will link to the university library and is due to complete in early 2028.

The hub will bring Students’ Union services and wellbeing offices into the same building as study and social space. Plans include a student lounge, flexible work and meeting rooms, an events space, a café, a bar and a Students’ Union shop.

The university procured the project through the NHS Shared Business Services framework. Representatives from the university, the Students’ Union and the project team marked the start of works at a groundbreaking ceremony on 19 October.

The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent and will include rooftop solar panels. Morgan Sindall will work with consultants and suppliers to identify changes that together cut at least 10 tonnes of carbon emissions during construction.

Professor Graham Galbraith, vice-chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said: “The Student Hub will sit at the heart of our campus, creating a central space that brings together key student services and support. As one of the flagship projects within our Estate Masterplan, it represents our continued investment in the future of the University and our students.”