A key objective was increasing student capacity by repurposing staff areas into student-focused spaces. The computer lab conversion was particularly significant, transforming what was once staff space into what became one of the largest computer labs in Europe. This strategic reallocation of space directly supported the university's goal of increasing student numbers, and moving staff to agile/hybrid working.

The relocation of the computer lab required us to repurpose existing staff areas, which initially caused concern among team members. To address this, we developed an enhanced staff experience by creating a dynamic and flexible workspace for their hybrid teams that supports all ways of working, as well as a vibrant café space adjacent to the lab that serves as both a revenue generator and a collaborative hub.

Staff who were initially hesitant about the new agile working environment provided overwhelmingly positive feedback once they experienced the benefits of the redesigned space. The project balanced technical requirements with human needs, transforming what could have been viewed as a loss of dedicated space into an opportunity for improved collaboration.