The general public will be able to access the UCL Main Quad from 16 February, following showings of UCL Illuminated from 11 to 13 February, The Cheese Grater understands.
UCL have revealed that spaces in the refurbished Main Quad and Wilkins Building will be available to book for 23 February onwards.
Paid attendees will first be able to visit the renovated Main Quad at UCL Illuminated, a surround sound light show projected around the Portico. The event is open to students, staff, alumni, and the general public.
However, the event will also cause disruption as buildings surrounding the Main Quad will close at 4pm from 10 to 13 February.
Disruption at the University
The Main Quad, the Portico, and the Wilkins Building have been closed for renovations since 10 February 2025.
Their reopening marks the end of a year’s worth of disruption that has caused major accessibility issues for wheelchair users and disturbance to key events in the UCL calendar, like the Students’ Union Welcome Fair, which was held at UCL East in September.
Renovation plans were altered throughout the process when over 600 community members petitioned to save the endangered ginkgo trees which were orginally supposed to be felled.
RIP UCL Art Museum
UCL is aiming to create a “fully accessible space”, relocating several offices, optimising “under-utilised spaces”, and prioritising areas for student congregation and activities.
While more seating and bookable spaces will be available, there has been some collateral damage. This includes the UCL Art Musuem who were “evicted” from the South Cloisters following a rushed consultation.