The University have confirmed that during the graduation period next winter, Younger Hall will be completely closed due to refurbishments and 2020 graduation ceremonies will alternatively be held at the Sports Centre.
According to a University spokesperson, the ongoing construction at Younger Hall will provide the University with a “refurbishes, compliant, modern and usable building, supporting the University Strategy 2018-2023.”
The works will fully refurbish the property, maintaining and enhancing existing uses as a venue for graduation, cultural and music events as well as developing the space for teaching and conferencing.”
As a means of limiting disruption to the University’s daily operations, the work has been divided into two “phases”. The first “phase” of the construction will address the building fabric of the hall, including stone repair and replacement, roof repairs and exterior metalwork repairs. These repairs are currently being carried out whilst the building in still in use.
The winter 2019 graduation ceremonies are still set to take place in Younger Hall, however following these the music department will be expected to decant to the Laidlaw Music Centre to allow advanced works on the interior of the hall to commence.
These works include window replacement, asbestos removal and mechanical and electrical strip out works. This initial phase of the construction is set to be completed by May 2020 to allow summer graduation ceremonies to take place in the hall. The University claims that these “behind the scenes” works will not be visible at the summer 2020 graduation ceremonies.
After summer graduation, the second phase of construction is intended to begin in July 2020. This involves full refurbishment of the interior of Younger Hall, including the installation of several lifts and the construction of an extension to the west elevation.
Not set to be completed until May 2021, the building will be fully closed during this phase and therefore the 2020 winter graduation ceremonies are set to be held in the Sports Centre. However, those students graduating in the summer of 2021 are promised to have their ceremonies held in Younger Hall.
Regarding the refurbishments, a University spokesperson said: “The Younger Hall refurbishment project will enhance the building user experience, increase the use of the building as an educational hub and will include a five hundred seat lecture theatre as well as five teaching spaces and a conference space.”
