Ellen Wilkinson Commons is open for you to use

17 Sep 2025

The newly redesigned Ellen Wilkinson Commons is now open! This light and welcoming space on the ground floor of the Ellen Wilkinson building can be used for meetings, events, hot-desking, study and wellbeing/relaxation.

Meeting spaces  

Ellen Wilkinson Commons features six separate meeting rooms, all with AV facilities. These are: 

• CG.38 Jarrow (capacity 5 people) 

• CG.40 Darlington (capacity 5 people) 

• CG.41 Leeds (capacity 5 people) 

• CG.43 Nottingham boardroom (capacity 9 people) 

• CG.45 Northampton (capacity 5 people) 

• CG.46 London (capacity 3 people) 

With the exception of Jarrow, the above meeting spaces are all available for SEED staff to book via Resource Booker, under the SEED Meeting Room tile (if you cannot see this tile when you log on to Resource Booker, email SEEDEstates@manchester.ac.uk to request access).  

Hosting events  

Ellen Wilkinson Commons is available for hosting events: the space has capacity for 150-180 people. Please note that because of the nature of the space, public access must be maintained during events. To request a booking for an event, complete this booking form and the SEED Operations Team will contact you with further details. 

Wellbeing and relaxation  

The Wellbeing Room is a designated AV-free space designed to give staff a private area to de-stress, recharge and focus on self-care. The room accommodates up to three people and is available on a drop-in basis. It should not be used for work-related meetings.  

The Cosy Campus kitchen space is available for use by students and staff and is equipped with microwaves and a boiling water tap.  

Library and reading space 

The library provides a dedicated area for hushed study, with desks and reading chairs. It contains a selection of books related to education theory and practice which should not be removed from the building.  

Display screens 

Digital signage around the Commons area can be used to promote forthcoming events and to provide relevant information to students and staff. Proposed display items must be provided correctly branded and designed in portrait orientation. Email SEEDestates@manchester.ac.uk to request to use the digital displays.  

Download the Ellen Wilkinson Commons standard operating procedures document for more information.