• Estates Strategy
• Green Transport Plan
• Environmental Strategy
• Precinct Landscaping Improvements
• Building Projects

The University's Estates Committee, which is responsible for University property and Estate matters, has been considering the question of rationalisation of property occupation across the University estate and how this will benefit the University and College occupiers.

The University Estates Strategy shows how University and College occupations across the University Estate might be rationalised over time. As well as seeking to co-locate Colleges' property holdings which are currently diverse, in the interest of more efficient management, the strategy also seeks to clarify potential development sites in the University precinct to enable balanced and coordinated development to take place.

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Green Transport Plans are an opportunity to raise the awareness of organisations and employees about the consequences of their transport choices and the benefits of choosing alternatives. By introducing a Green Transport Plan the University would be contributing to the improvement of the environment by encouraging a reduction in energy use so reducing pollution.

The Plan would consist of a series of measures to reduce the level of unnecessary travel and encourage those who have to travel to do so in ways that minimise the environmental impact. The Plan would cover commuting, business travel, vehicle fleet management and commercial deliveries. The Estates Division has drafted a Green Transport Plan. Policies to be considered for the Green Transport Plan will include:

• Commuting by car - promotion of car-sharing and the availability of Precinct car parking.
• Alternatives to commuting by car - encouragement of cycling, walking and use of public transport.
• Business travel - use of public transport where possible.
• Fleet operation - measures to reduce petrol consumption, investigation of alternative fuels.

To date, a survey of staff's commuting arrangements has taken place. Secure cycle parking has been introduced in the Russell Square car park and showers for cyclists have been provided, with grant assistance from the Cycling Projects Fund. Provision for motorcycle parking has also been extended.

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The Estates Division will be involved in the drafting of an Environmental Strategy for the central University. The aim of the strategy will be to maintain, and wherever possible, improve the quality of the environment for those who work in the central University. Evaluation of measures relating to the University Precinct will be developed in conjunction with the Colleges and institutions on the University Estate. Policies will inter-relate with both Precinct landscaping improvements and the Green Transport Plan.

The Division will develop policies which aim to make the most efficient and effective means of resources and to encourage staff to work towards these ends.

Areas to be considered for the Environmental Strategy will include:

• Energy efficiency - energy conservation measures, particularly the installation of additional control mechanisms.
• Evaluation of additional opportunities for recycling. A review of the type of materials used for maintenance and cleaning regimes.
• A review of the use of office consumables and machinery in relation to materials and energy consumption.
• Promoting awareness among staff of the need to work in an environmentally-friendly way.
• Ensuring new developments are designed to high standards of energy and efficiency.

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The Estates Division, working with the Estates departments of the other Colleges on the Precinct, commissioned a report from Elizabeth Banks Associates on possible improvements to the grounds and gardens in the Precinct.

This report was formally presented to Heads of Precinct Colleges in June 2000. It made recommendations on a number of areas including:

• rationalisation of car parking and bicycle parking
• definition of entrances to the Precinct
• paving materials
• street furniture
• pedestrian facilities
• tree and shrub planting
• signage

The University’s landscape consultants prepared a strategy for the University Precinct in 2000, covering all parks, roads, grassed and landscaped areas. The aim of their strategy was to ensure a consistent approach is followed, when improvements or works in connection with buildings are undertaken.

Torrington Square

The re-modelling of Torrington Square by the University, financed mainly by Birkbeck College and the University, with contributions from other Precinct Colleges, was completed in 2005.  The scheme was designed by Robert Myers Associates and it won a Landscape Institute Award in 2006.

Torrington Square provides a pedestrian green space at the heart of the Precinct and provides places for quiet recreation as well as a pleasant backdrop to the surrounding buildings and streets.  The scheme has created a landscape framework that ties together the eclectic collection of buildings bordering the square. Its rejuvenation has brought back into use an overlooked and unloved space and has breathed life back into this part of the Precinct for all to enjoy.

Gordon & Woburn Square Gardens

The Estates Division was successful in its bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for funding towards improvements to Gordon & Woburn Square Gardens following years of preparation.

HLF awarded the University a grant of £998,500 to restore the two Squares to their original Georgian glory. Additional funding for the project comes from the Wolfson Foundation, the University, English Heritage together with a contribution from the Bloomsbury colleges.

First laid out as formal spaces in the 1830’s, the squares had fallen into disrepair in recent years, and suffered from antisocial behaviour. The restoration project is scheduled for completion in January 2007. It focused on replacing missing historic features, improving paths, planting new trees, shrubs and rose beds, replacing furniture, and enclosing the gardens with railings based on the original design and will also attempt to promote greater local community use. When the project is complete both squares will be open seven days a week.

New play equipment is being provided in Woburn Square’s playground and the summerhouse in Woburn Square and gardener’s building in Gordon Square are being refurbished, with the latter converted into a refreshments kiosk.

In addition to physical work, new signage and information boards telling the history of each square will be put up, and leaflets produced to explain the importance of their historical and natural heritage. A Bloomsbury heritage trail leaflet will also be produced, highlighting areas of interest between the British Museum and the Gardens. The University will employ an Education Development Officer for one year to oversee all heritage and nature conservation activities, encourage use of the spaces and get schools involved through a learning pack.

The works will add to and complement the Torrington Square improvement works and will revitalise and restore the squares to ensure their sustainability for future years.

See extracts from the Conservation Management Plan  [PDF 49pgs, 301KB] and some of the associated images and plans. 

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Projects currently under development by the Building Services Group include:

• Redevelopment of 74-80 Gower Street and College Hall
• Refurbishment and redevelopment at the University of London Boathouse
• Senate House refurbishment

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