Kings Gate looms over campus next to the main set of stairs. Its presence was previously only used for students who required services, and felt fairly clinical. However, the refreshed Kings Gate now hosts a wide variety of spaces aimed at fostering innovation, wellbeing, and collaboration. Students can explore opportunities through dedicated start-up project areas, browse the University merchandise, or sit with peers to do work in a vibrant central forum. There are also bookable spaces for student societies to use both as both formal and informal meeting rooms.
The new space will give students access to a basic kitchen - so you will no longer have to try and make your £3.30 coffee last the day in a cafe. Instead, you can sit in Kings Gate and use the unlimited hot water for tea, coffee, or even a pot noodle.
A key feature of the redesign is the addition of twenty three modern appointment rooms equipped with mood lighting and enhanced ventilation systems. Accessibility has been a priority, with eleven of the rooms designed to accommodate wheelchair users and five featuring electric height-adjustable desks.
Level 2 has been designed as a dedicated wellbeing floor, offering a calm and comfortable environment for students seeking support and utilising the University counselling system. Walking up the stairs was enough to be welcomed with a wave of serenity, and it will be nice to see the floor in action. Emphasising sustainability, much of the furniture in the new space has been upcycled, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Kings Gate is open to students from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily, with enquiries and support services available from 8:30am. Whether seeking career advice, wellbeing resources, or simply a space to meet and recharge, students now have a flexible and inclusive space to be in on campus.
With this transformation, Newcastle University is not only making better use of campus facilities, but also committing to place student experience and success at the centre of university life.