Parkstead House is an iconic building and a cornerstone of the historic Whitelands College campus.
Home to the School of Life and Health Sciences and the School of Psychology, it stands as a symbol of the University's rich academic heritage. As a custodian of this Grade 1 listed building, originally constructed in the 1760s, the University is committed to preserving and maintaining its condition for future generations.
To ensure the long-term preservation of this remarkable building, the University is undertaking a vital project to replace the aging roofs of Parkstead House. Over time, the roofs have experienced wear and tear, leading to ongoing maintenance needs. In response, the Whitelands College Foundation, a key supporter of the University, has committed £2.5 million to fund the replacement of several roofs.
This investment reflects their commitment to preserving the University's heritage, while supporting its mission to maintain an outstanding environment for academic excellence. The project will help safeguard the building's future while ensuring it continues to serve as a vibrant and inspiring space for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Timeline
In Autumn 2024, we carried out some preliminary works to provide temporary protection for the roofs and to help minimise leaks during the winter before the main replacement works.
The main construction phase will begin on 14 March 2025 and is expected to be complete ready for the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
What to expect
As work begins, there will be some disruption to normal campus life. The University is committed to minimising inconvenience and maintaining a safe environment for all.
The core working hours throughout the project will be 8am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. We will aim to keep noise levels to a minimum, especially outside of these hours.
To minimise disruption, some teaching spaces will be closed at Whitelands throughout the project. If you are a student, please check your timetable regularly for any classroom changes.
Whitelands community
Whitelands Diner will be closed from 3 March 2025 until the project is complete. The Sett Cafe on the first floor will remain open throughout the works, offering breakfast, lunch, and coffee from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The car park at Whitelands will remain open, but due to limited spaces, please allow plenty of time to find parking. There will be no additional parking created on the main campus.
Community events at Whitelands will continue during the construction period. Information about these events will be shared via various communication platforms.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a key consideration for the project. The roof will be designed to last 40-50 years, and the potential contractors were assessed on their sustainability practices. This is to ensure that the project not only preserves the building but also contributes positively to the environment.
Communication Updates
We will keep the wider community informed throughout the project with any further updates on this webpage. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact details below.
Contact Information
For any queries about the project or its potential impacts on the community, please contact the project manager, Aaron Barber-Hill: Aaron.Barber-Hill@roehampton.ac.uk.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our neighbours and the wider community as we carry out this important work. This investment will ensure that Parkstead House remains a vibrant hub of learning and discovery for generations to come.