Of all the challenges facing businesses and building users in a post-pandemic “normal”, university estates are possibly under the most threat. Universities are founded on the physical coming together of minds; a collaborative environment of migratory scholars and students creating a community hub.

According to consulting firm London Economics, UK universities face a shortfall of at least £2.5bn in the next year due to projected drop in student enrolment. Beyond this, however, there will also be a loss of third-party income gained from conference and facility rental and, in some university towns, a loss of fee-paying tourists taking a peek at the hallowed halls of scholarly pursuit. With a reduction in university spending power, the knock-on effect is that the built environment sector is bracing for a pause on major capital projects, with estates more likely to benefit from adapting existing assets rather than moving ahead with new campus buildings.

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