It goes without saying that we're proud of Dreadnought too. It has quickly become the heart of our Greenwich campus, and it's hard to believe that it was only in September 2018, that we opened its doors.
Our ambition for Dreadnought was to bring everything students on Greenwich campus needed into one place, providing a home for our Students' Union and Student & Academic Services, as well as providing space for some of our academic and professional services departments. It provides flexible learning spaces, gym facilities, a servery and coffee shop, a 500 person capacity bar, teaching facilities, office and social spaces.
Speaking about the project to restore Dreadnought Michael Flanagan, Director of Estates and Facilities said:
Stripping back the building to modernise it ready for its role at the heart of our Greenwich campus, did at times bring its challenges as old and historic buildings do. However, our two-year project to rejuvenate the building, while retaining its sense of history, has been a triumph. Our new state-of-the-art student hub is everything we wanted it to be, and I'm proud that we have been able to give Dreadnought, an attractive Grade II listed building a bright new future.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Maguire who has been closely involved throughout the project said:
The opening of Dreadnought has brought about a transformative change on our Greenwich campus. It has helped to bring our campus to life for both students and staff alike. It demonstrates our commitment to improving the student experience for all students at our university and celebrates our strong partnership with the Greenwich Students' Union, who are now, along with student services at the very heart of our campus.
Share your support
We've been shortlisted in the Higher and Further Education category. The awards are announced on 11 September, but if like us you're proud of our newest building on Greenwich campus, please share it on Twitter:
Celebrating the opening of Dreadnought on its first day open to students and staff
Dreadnought's proud history
Dreadnought was originally constructed (1764-68) by Greenwich Hospital as its infirmary for treating sick Greenwich pensioners. Closed by bomb damage in World War II after a direct hit destroyed operating theatres and chapels, it suffered further damage in 1941 when an incendiary destroyed most of the roof. In 1948 the Dreadnought building was taken over by the newly created NHS but closed in 1986 when the building fell into disrepair until work started in 1998 to remodel it as a new library for the University of Greenwich.
The building we enjoy today is the result of a two year project to sensitively restore the Grade II building, and make it the heart of our Greenwich campus.
