University of Exeter's Cross Keys to undergo £1.3m refurbishment

A £1.3 million refurbishment programme is underway on part of the University of Exeter’s North Cloisters building, following the appointment of construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall.

Cross Keys, part of the North Cloisters building on the St. Luke’s campus, is set to receive a major upgrade to create additional open plan space and seating, increasing its capacity from 150 to 250 people.

Refurbishment works will comprise the ground and first floor level areas, creating flexible study and social spaces for all campus users and a newly developed catering outlet.

The facility will be designed as a place to meet, study and eat, and will also host out of term events, conferences, student society events and open days.

Cross Keys is set within the historic courtyard of the St. Luke’s campus, parts of which date back to 1854. The campus’ main college building and stable block are both locally listed and St. Luke’s chapel is Grade II listed.

The Cross Keys refurbishment project is expected to complete in autumn 2018.

Nigel Whelan, area director at Morgan Sindall, said: “Cross Keys is a central part of the St Luke’s campus and we’re very pleased to have been appointed to deliver this exciting refurbishment, which will enhance the student experience on campus even further.

“Work is already underway on the project and once complete, it will create a new social heart to the campus and reflect the diverse community of students and staff that it serves. We’re looking forward to working with the University of Exeter to deliver their vision for the St Luke’s campus and handing over the new Cross Keys area.”

Morgan Sindall is currently on site at major schemes across the region. In Okehampton, the company has recently broken ground at St James’ Church of England Primary School, where it is delivering a new £4.4 million primary school.