We try really hard to minimise the level of disruption that may occur when expanding and renewing our campus, but sometimes, for example, we have to close specific areas or divert footpaths to carry out necessary work safely, and as quickly as possible.
See planned disruptive works on this page, or check our Estates Service Status page for unplanned disruptions or those that affect movement in the short term.
Keep up to date with current works so you can better plan your journey to, from and around campus.
Nisa Market Square Refurbishment
In August 2025, Nisa, located on Campus West at Market Square, will be closed for a full refurbishment. The works are being carried out to update the store with a fresh new layout, enhancing the retail experience for customers. The store is scheduled to reopen in September 2025. See all Eat, Shop and Drink opening hours.
Closure of Library and Derwent cafes
Over summer 2025 the Library cafe and Derwent cafe will be closed to allow for refurbishment and infrastructure works. The Eat, Drink and Shop webpages show the opening times of alternative facilities.
There will be noise disruption throughout, which our contractors will endeavour to minimise.
Water diversions on Vanbrugh Way and University Road
From Monday 30 June to August 2025 there will be excavation works to divert the mains cold water supply on Vanbrugh Way and University Road. This necessary work replaces a deteriorating piece of our water infrastructure.
Excavations will begin on Vanbrugh Way near University Road, with traffic management in place as the road will be narrowed. There will be a short, temporary diversion of vehicles accessing Campus West Reception parking bays and the parking spaces for the Law Clinic will be suspended. Following these excavations will take place around the new student centre site hoardings and Vanbrugh C at the covered walkway. The footpath will be closed, and a signed diversion established for pedestrians. Cyclists should dismount and walk the diversion if able.
The emergency exits at the rear of Market Square will be maintained. There will be some noise disruption to Market Square, the Drama Barn, the Warren and Vanbrugh B and C blocks.
Disruptions to Harewood Way
Lift upgrades and replacements
Over the summer and autumn of 2025 we will be conducting some essential lift upgrade and replacement works. These upgrades are a significant undertaking, involving the removal of old equipment, manufacturing and delivery of new parts, installation, and thorough testing. This process takes time, but it ensures we'll have more reliable and efficient lifts for everyone to use.
The schedule for the works is below. Please note that all dates are subject to manufacturer and contractual supply, delivery, and installation, so they may be subject to change.
- Derwent/Chemistry Bridge: Commences 28 July, test and commission 22 September
- Derwent Nucleus: Commences 28 July, test and commission 22 September
- Derwent Dining area: Commences 14 July, test and commission 25 July
- Market Square Information Centre: Commences 21 July, test and commission 22 September
- Vanbrugh Nucleus: Commences 12 August, test and commission 15 October
- RCSS (Yorkshire House): Commences 29 August, test and commission 28 November
Professional Services Hub 3
From June to December 2025 internal refurbishment works will be undertaken at 1 Innovation Close as part of our programme to improve spaces for Professional Services by creating PS Hub 3. This will be a new home for colleagues in Estates, IT Services, Accommodation, Campus and Commercial Services, Finance and Human Resources.
Works in Church Lane Building block B
The Estates Operations team are conducting some essential maintenance work between May and July 2025 in Church Lane Engineering Workshop, in block B. There will be some noise throughout, with the most disruption over the weekend of 23 to 25 May.
Piazza internal construction for School of Architecture
From 6 May to September 2025 there will be some internal disruption in the Piazza as the space is reconfigured for the School of Architecture. Some areas will not be accessible and there will be some noise disruption while construction takes place. From 19 May onwards, it will not be possible to access the Piazza Mailroom through the building from Reception. The Mailroom remains open and can be accessed through the external doors on the north side of the building.
Noise during construction for INTERIORS project
The piling works have now been completed, but there will continue to be some building noise from December 2024 to Summer 2025 as the work progresses. Our contractor will try to minimise this as much as possible.
Kimberlow Lane closure
Kimberlow Lane, the road running between Campus East Bus Interchange and York Sport Village, is temporarily closed to allow for essential repair works to be carried out. Buses U1 and U2 will continue to run to the Sport Village via a diversion along Hull Road. Access to the following will remain in place:
- Constantine/Langwith service road
- ISA building
- The Energy Centre
- Kimberlow Lane car park
- We are currently working towards a completion date of autumn 2026.
Find out more about the Kimberlow Lane closure.