Cardiff University’s John Percival Building went through a series of renovations to construct a new HYB during June to October 2025 costing approximately £1,095,541.
Cardiff University has opened twelve HYB spaces across its campuses which provide tailored support for specific degree disciplines. This includes professional support about placements, assessments and student records.
One of these HYB’s is located in the John Percival building where students from English, Communication and Philosophy, Archaeology and Religion, Welsh, The Business School, and Music can access tailored support for their degrees.
The John Percival HYB provides access to study spaces, study booths, 1-2-1 meeting rooms and meeting booths as well as access to mental health and wellbeing services.
A Cardiff University Spokesperson said that ‘our HYB spaces also offer a welcoming place to talk things through.’
According to an FOI request the renovations approximately cost £1,095,54, which took place in order for the HYB to be built in the John Percival Building.
However, during the construction, it was found that the walls in the HYB would need to be demolished and need reconstruction because of ‘structural issues and the quality of the existing walls.’
It was agreed that the best solution for cost and performance was to remove them and rebuild, this cost £50,500.
It was rumoured that this was because the removal broke fire regulation standards. However, when asked about the reasoning behind the demolition of the walls, a Cardiff University Spokesperson said ‘the walls were removed to facilitate the new HYB. All of the changes comply with our fire strategy.’
As well as the walls, the reception was removed and rebuilt, and an additional glazed screen was added. Further renovations will be taking place this summer to the roof of the John Percival building as the patch repairs that took place during the HYB renovation need ‘further work.’