Why is this building work happening?
What will the changes look and feel like?
What is the current timeline of the works?
How is the College preparing for the site developments?
What do these changes mean for students at the Peckham Road site of Camberwell College of Arts?
Will this project impact student access to studios or workshops?
Will this impact my end of year shows?
What consultation has there been with staff and students on the process?
How will staff and students be kept up to date with developments regarding site development?
Were local businesses and residents consulted ahead of the works taking place?
Why is this building work happening?
In 2018 we carried out an accessibility audit of our Victorian Buildings at Camberwell College of Arts (C and D Blocks). Following the audit, it was clear that work needed to take place to update the buildings on the Peckham Road site and make them more accessible for all current and future users. We then incorporated the recommendations of the report into a design that was drawn up by architect Levitt Bernstein to ensure our site is welcoming and accessible to all current and potential users. This work is what is due to start in the summer of 2023. Once these works are completed we will be able to offer step free access throughout C and D Blocks, complemented by facilities that ensure accessibility for all users.
What work is planned?
From summer 2023 to the end of summer 2024, we will be carrying out the Camberwell Accessibility and Roof replacement scheme. This work includes the establishment of an internal lift shaft in C Block, an external lift shaft and extension on D Block, and supporting internal works.
Alongside this, we will be carrying out works to replace the roof on A and D Blocks in Summer 2023 followed by C Block in 2024 to futureproof the building.
What will the changes look and feel like?
By the end of the scheme, site staff and students can expect to see several visible changes to C and D Blocks.
From September 2023, staff and students can expect to see the start of the two extensions on D Block which will house a toilet extension and a new lift. Internally there will be work to ensure that corridors are fully accessible without the need for step access. There will also be a new accessible entrance to D Block and an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
By September 2024 staff and students will see the completed extensions to D Block. C Block will have a new accessible entrance. Internally, staff and students will find the new lift shaft which runs from the basement to the top floor and, accompanying this, there will be work carried out to ensure step-free access on each floor, along with renovated and new toilets in the eastern staircase.
The improvements to A, C, and D Blocks roofs will be less visible to site users but will help futureproof the buildings for years to come.
Throughout the project, site staff and students will notice a large amount of scaffolding erected around either C or D Block in order to support the works. This is due to the listed nature of the site and the complexity of the project. Any scaffolding will be erected during the Summer Term (2022-23). In addition to this, there will be a contractor compound around the front of the building from the Summer Term onwards.
Will there be a lot of noise?
With all building work there is likely to be some level of noise disruption but we are working closely with our contractors to ensure this is kept to a minimum. We are looking at several ways in which any noise occurring during term time can be kept to a minimum when work is happening during teaching periods.
What is the current timeline of the works?
There are currently three phases of the building works:
April – May 2023
- Scaffolding goes up outside the building. This will cause some noise but will be completed before the on-site graduate shows.
- Contractor compound erected outside building.
July – September 2023
- Access to C and D Blocks will be severely limited.
26 June to end of August 2023:Phase 1A – D Block
- Entrance and landscaping works
- Install ramps
- Install internal toilets
- Level floor
- Replace the roof
- A Block roof works
September 2023 to 8 September 2024: Phase 2 – D Block
- D Block lift extension
- D Block toilet facility extension
26 June 2023 to 8 September 2024: Phase 3 – C Block
- Installing new C Block entrance
- Internal works to C Block basement
- Install internal toilets
- Replace the roof
- C and D Block lift installation
- Landscaping works
How is the College preparing for the site developments?
Over the past year, we have been working with staff to develop appropriate plans to support the works and support site users. Where necessary, this has meant developing mitigations to ensure facilities and rooms throughout the site continue to function as required. In addition to this, during the frequent staff meetings, we have run through the implications of the project and how to support staff and students during the project implementation.
As part of our engagement with staff we are developing a comprehensive and robust strategy for ensuring the student experience on-site is not affected. We have engaged with Academic, Technical, and Administrative staff on a regular basis to develop a scheme that works for the College.
What do these changes mean for students at the Peckham Road site of Camberwell College of Arts?
As the major invasive works are planned for the summer periods, the impact on students will be limited. The main change that students will see during this academic year (2022-23) will be the erection of scaffolding around D Block in the Summer Term. We are working through the finer programme details with contractors to ensure that we can properly keep students and staff up to date on works in their area and, if necessary, implement our mitigation planning to ensure continuity of experience.
As with the 21/22 academic year, we will be looking to move the MA Fine Art Students to Wilson Road for the final month of their year in preparation for the Summer Show. Similar to last year, the plan is also for these students to then show at Wilson Road. We will then ensure everything will be back in situ at Peckham Road prior to the start of the Autumn Term. There will be no access to sites during the summer holidays, to ensure these and other works can be carried out safely and efficiently.
Will this project impact student access to studios or workshops?
We have designed the scheme with student access to the site as a priority. Therefore, the current planning ensures that students have full access to their studios and workshops prior to the summer break. Having carried out substantial planning with staff around the project, we will be able to quickly implement alternative plans if necessary to ensure students’ studies are minimally impacted.
As above, the MA Fine Art Students will be relocating to Wilson Road after a successful first iteration of this in the 21/22 academic year. By the end of February 2023, the project team will be communicating with these students about how this will be carried out.
Will this impact my end of year shows?
The current timeline for the project sees all preparatory work ceasing in June for the shows so there will be no impact from the works. Beforehand, all of the work will have been on scaffolding or external preparation for the project so will not intrude into studio spaces that will be used for shows.
What consultation has there been with staff and students on the process?
Staff have had an opportunity to attend, via Teams an operational meeting in early February to hear more about the project, and its timeline and to ask questions. Following this meeting we invited student reps to meet at Camberwell College of Arts on 13 February and will continue to engage with them on a regular basis before and during the scheme, to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest developments and what the scheme will mean for the current users of the site. The full diary of engagement events with student reps was provided with the first invite.
How will staff and students be kept up to date with developments regarding site development?
We will update students with the latest developments through student newsletters and by email and we also update our FAQs as the works progress. Affected student groups will have ongoing engagement sessions. Staff will also be kept up to date via staff newsletters, email and staff briefings.
We would also encourage staff and students with any enquiries to email camaccessproject@arts.ac.uk
Were local businesses and residents consulted ahead of the works taking place?
We have also engaged with our neighbours, the South London Gallery, to keep them up to date on the scheme and will be in touch with other local businesses to inform them of the work and the timeline it is due to take place. Although the immediate neighbours are not residential and the majority of the works will be taking place away from the façade of the building, we will also inform neighbouring residents of the impending works.