The Ellen Wilkinson Commons nears completion

28 May 2025

Refurbishment work on the former PGCE Labs corridor in the Ellen Wilkinson building remains on track for completion in June 2025.

This ambitious project is transforming the former PGCE Labs corridor on the ground floor of the Ellen Wilkinson building into The Ellen Wilkinson Commons—a vibrant, collaborative environment designed for students, staff, and visitors to meet, study, and unwind.  

The new space will help address a long-standing need for communal areas within the building while paying tribute to Ellen Wilkinson and her legacy. Meeting rooms will be named after key stops on the historic Jarrow March, which she famously led. 

“The Ellen Wilkinson Commons represents more than just a physical transformation of our building—it embodies the collaborative spirit that defines our work in MIE” comments Professor Lisa Murtagh, Head of MIE “I am particularly proud that our meeting rooms will commemorate the historic Jarrow March, connecting our daily work to the broader tradition of collective action and positive change that Ellen Wilkinson exemplified.” 

When complete, the Commons will feature six meeting rooms (including a boardroom), a wellbeing room, and a kitchen. Visitors will also find a range of amenities, including meeting pods, varied seating, charging points, vending machines, and a water cooler. 

We thank everyone for their patience during the refurbishment. While the most disruptive work is now finished, there may still be minor interruptions as final touches are added.