Great Hall works budget revised as opening date is delayed by 6 months

The reopening of the Great Hall has been pushed back by six months to March 2027, a Freedom of Information request from Felix found. The redevelopment project, which was originally due to be completed next month, is now scheduled to end in December 2026, three months before the new opening date.

University Management Board approved a revised and confidential budget in March, as construction work was beset by structural defects and service issues.

Asked about the nature of the structural defects encountered, Imperial said: “Strip out, demolition and opening up works revealed areas where elements of the original concrete structure were not as per record information and reasonable professional assumptions. Intrusive surveys after commencement of works confirmed that existing concrete was found to be of insufficient strength to support the proposed design loads. Accordingly, additional works have been instructed. These include structural strengthening, additional steelwork and spreader systems to redistribute loads.”

Regarding service issues, Imperial explained: “Live services (water, power, data, fire alarm, security) existed within the Great Hall, connected to surrounding areas and adjacent buildings. These required disconnection and diversion. Although many were known, additional services were found once the strip out had been undertaken. To avoid major disruption to the building and given the live university environment, many diversions and disconnections have been undertaken out of hours to limit disruption to the operational building. Existing service infrastructure also required validation and corrective works before being integrated with new systems.”

The Great Hall works started in April 2025 with the aim of transforming the Hall into a modular space which can be converted into three lecture theatres when it is not used for events. It is also expected to become a venue for Friday prayer.