Refurbishments

Following investment and growth in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence we are pleased to introduce the Kathleen Booth Building, formerly known as Innovation Centre One. The change in name reflects the University's commitment to recognise pioneering figures in computing and to support the future of the discipline. Kathleen Booth was a trailblazing British computer scientist and one of the earliest pioneers of modern computing. 

The Computer Science department office spaces have been reconfigured to create flexible, agile and collaborative, modern offices and meeting spaces. This has helped to increase capacity of the area to accommodate an expanding team, allow for opportunities to secure research funding in Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence, and open areas for growth in postgraduate taught programmes.  

Thornlea underwent refurbishment works to place Exeter as a leading university in the global Creative Industries.  The original costume store in Alexander Building, has become a state-of-the-art Digital Experience Lab incorporating new equipment for screen media and live content creation, gaming studies and flexible space for podcasts and immersive media environments. Several social and study spaces now have a much improved and more accessible layout with new lighting and decoration, including a decorative moss wall.  

The Computer Science department office spaces have been reconfigured to create flexible, agile and collaborative, modern offices and meeting spaces. This has helped to increase capacity of the area to accommodate an expanding team, allow for opportunities to secure research funding in Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence, and open areas for growth in postgraduate taught programmes.  

Students said that the library was too noisy and not great for group study, so we made changes. Reopened in January 2025, the space now boasts double the number of seating, totalling 300. Usage of the space has increased by 134% on average, Monday to Friday.   

There are zoned areas for quieter study and silent study, as well as bookable group study rooms and an updated presentation room.   

Over 90% of these spaces have power, which students said they really wanted, and the Wi-Fi has been upgraded to support the increased use of the space.  

Bookable space is available for societies or support services to run drop-ins, small group teaching, giveaways, bake sales or exhibitions.  

Construction work is currently taking place in the Harrison building to create new and refurbished engineering laboratories. 

The investment in the labs, as part of the Exeter Engineering 2030 project, is crucial to ensure our teaching spaces continue to replicate industry standards and to create capacity for growth in new teaching programmes. The new spaces will also create opportunities to widen our engineering expertise and global research impact. 

There is likely to be some disruption in the area for the duration of the project until September 2026.  

Find out more, visit: https://engineering.exeter.ac.uk/2030/ or colleagues and students can view the latest details on progress and potential disruption on the project sharepoint page. 

An annual Learning Environment Refresh project (LERP) is on-going across our campuses which looks to significantly upgrade the tools we have to deliver new and collaborative ways of teaching and learning, as well as enhancing the study environment for our students.  

In 2025 we improved 80 spaces on our Exeter and Cornwall campuses. These spaces have benefitted from the installation of cutting-edge audio-visual equipment, as well as reconfiguration, enhanced lighting and replacement furniture where necessary.