Liège, Belgium — Two lecture halls at the University of Liège (ULiège) will welcome students once again on Monday, February 3, after undergoing extensive refurbishment for more than a year.
The university announced the completion of the renovation works on the Kurth and Wilmotte lecture halls, marking a significant step in its long-term strategic development plan.
The overhaul of the two auditoriums, located at the XX Août site in the city centre, was made possible through a budget of €2.7 million. Half of this funding came from the European recovery plan, specifically targeting improvements in energy efficiency.
The renovations align with ULiège’s broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure and provide an enhanced learning environment for students.
Modern Upgrades for a Better Learning Experience
Built between 1958 and 1959, the Kurth and Wilmotte lecture halls had become outdated, necessitating comprehensive upgrades to improve comfort, efficiency, and accessibility.
The refurbishment project focused on modernizing seating, lighting, acoustics, and ventilation systems, ensuring a better experience for students and faculty alike.
“These renovations are part of our commitment to creating a high-quality learning environment,” said Rudi Cloots, adviser to the chancellor for infrastructure.
“The updated lecture halls will not only enhance the student experience but also contribute to our energy-saving goals.”
One of the key aspects of the renovation was sustainability. The improvements are expected to yield energy savings of approximately 35%, thanks to enhanced insulation, modern lighting solutions, and optimized heating systems.
A Step Towards the ‘Learning Centre’ Project
The reopening of the lecture halls is also a milestone in ULiège’s larger ‘Learning Centre’ project, which aims to consolidate study spaces and academic resources for students.’
By upgrading these facilities, the university is making strides in its mission to provide state-of-the-art educational spaces that cater to evolving academic needs.
Each of the renovated halls retains its original capacity of 310 seats but now boasts improved accessibility features, making them more inclusive for students with disabilities.
The enhancements align with ULiège’s goal of fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning atmosphere.
Students to Return for Second Term
The reopening coincides with the beginning of the second term of the 2024-2025 academic year. Students and faculty members will be the first to experience the upgraded facilities when classes resume on February 3.
The university community has welcomed the renovations, with students expressing excitement about the improved learning environment.
“It’s great to see the university investing in better facilities,” said one student. “The old halls were in need of an upgrade, and I’m looking forward to seeing the changes.”
With the successful completion of the renovation, ULiège continues to reinforce its commitment to academic excellence and sustainability.
The reopening of the Kurth and Wilmotte lecture halls signals a new era for the university, blending historical architecture with modern efficiency for the benefit of future generations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
