Find out what’s planned for the new Teaching and Student Centre and what to expect as work gets underway.
Discover plans for the new Teaching and Student Centre
The Derry~Londonderry campus is growing. Additional teaching space is now available at Timber Quay and in July 2026, the University was granted planning permission for a new Teaching and Student Centre.
The project is supported by significant investment from the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund.
Located behind the John & Pat Hume Building (MU) and the Library (MM), the new Centre will bring together modern teaching and learning spaces, areas to socialise and dedicated student services.
Designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and campus life, the Centre will include:
- Flexible teaching and seminar spaces for groups of 15 to 350 students.
- Collaborative working areas, with open-plan spaces and quieter, private areas.
- Modern computer labs designed to support your learning and creativity.
- A welcoming student services hub to help you access the support you need.
- A new café where you can relax, catch up with friends and connect with others.
- Outdoor terraces and courtyards where you can take a break and enjoy campus life.
- A link bridge will connect the Centre to the Library, making it easier to move between the buildings.
The Centre is expected to open to students in the 2028/29 academic year.
Artist Impression
Get a first look at the plans
Want to see what the new Centre could look like?
Come along to our informal drop-in event to explore the plans and artists’ impressions, including views of the building’s interior and exterior.
- Monday 26 October 2026, anytime between 1.30pm - 4.30pm
- Ground floor of the John & Pat Hume Building, MU125 and foyer (MU101A)
Drop in at any time to take a look at the designs and share your thoughts.
Campus access and parking changes
Construction of the new Centre is expected to get underway later this year. We know building work may affect how you travel to campus and move between buildings, so we’ll keep you updated on temporary changes and aim to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Here’s what you need to know:
Parking
The upper campus overflow car park, behind the Library (MM) and the John & Pat Hume Building (MU), will close to make way for the new Centre. Parking and alternative overflow arrangements will be in place.
Where possible, consider sustainable travel options for your journey to campus. Read our top tips for sustainable travel and sensible parking.
Pedestrian access at Gate House
The pedestrian gate at Gate House (Block MT) will close. You can still enter the campus on foot via the Northland Road entrance, just a short distance away.
Please note that there will continue to be no vehicle access from the Northland Road entrance.
Access around the Library and John & Pat Hume Building
For your safety, access to the rear of the Library (MM) and the John & Pat Hume Building (MU) will be restricted while construction is underway. You’ll still be able to walk into and in front of both buildings.
MM Library
Improving connectivity on campus
Another project is planned early next year to support improvements to campus connectivity between teaching spaces, with the upgrades designed to enhance your experience on campus and support faster, more reliable internet services.
Works are intended to be non-intrusive both on campus and external for dark fibre, with the exception of Coppin House, in which there may be minor excavation work needed.
Timber Quay
Timber Quay is also part of the project to grow the campus and in September 2026 we shared an update on the extended facilities available to students.
Check out the developments on the Timber Quay building.
Timber Quay
Our commitment to you
We’re committed to minimising disruption during construction and keeping you informed of any changes that may affect your time on campus.
Throughout these developments, we’ll continue to prioritise your experience at Ulster and ensure our campuses remain welcoming places to learn, connect and thrive.
Keep an eye on the Student Guide for more updates.
