Morgan Sindall starts £23.1m Student Hub refurbishment at University of Portsmouth

Morgan Sindall Construction's South business has broken ground on the £23.1m refurbishment and extension of the University of Portsmouth's Student Hub, a 3,125 sq m building at Ravelin Park on the city-centre campus.

The contractor said a groundbreaking ceremony on 19 October brought together its own team, the University Executive Board, the university's Estates team, Student Services, the Students' Union, engineer Scott White and Hookins and Ridge & Partners.

The project was procured through the NHSSBS framework, Morgan Sindall said.

Professor Graham Galbraith, University Vice-Chancellor, said: "As one of the flagship projects within our Estate Masterplan, it represents our continued investment in the future of the University and our students."

The building

According to the university, the scheme will refurbish the existing Student Centre and create a new space linking to the Library.

Morgan Sindall said the refurbished and extended building will house Students' Union services, wellbeing offices, a student lounge, meeting and flexible working spaces, a coffee bar and kitchen, a shop, an events space and a bar.

The contractor said the project team is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and that photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof. In August 2025 the university said all new buildings under its masterplan aim for a BREEAM Outstanding rating; the Student Hub is a refurbishment and extension rather than a new build.

Morgan Sindall said it will take part in the 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge during the works, working with consultants and supply chain partners to cut at least 10 tonnes of carbon from the construction process.

Clifford Kinch, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, said: "This project is all about supporting the next generation throughout their studies".

The masterplan

The university said it is investing £250m over 10 years in its Portsmouth campus. It has already completed the Ravelin Sports Centre, which it said has cut energy consumption by 90% compared with typical leisure centres.

Ridge & Partners said its masterplan for the campus has a central spine linking teaching spaces and leading to the new Student Hub near the Ravelin Sports Centre. The consultancy said its programme and cost management teams shaped the university's masterplan and investment strategy.

In August 2025 the university said the Wiltshire Building, built in 1899 as a military drill hall, was being refurbished, with works expected to run until summer 2026.

Ravelin Park itself was originally part of Portsmouth's defensive fortifications, Morgan Sindall said. These were demolished and replaced in the 1880s by official residences for senior army officers, one of which, Gun House, still stands next to the current Students' Union building.

What happens next

Morgan Sindall said the Student Hub is on track to complete in early 2028.