Sainsburys Centre Refurbishment

Frequently Asked Questions

Project Overview and Design

Why is the proposed refurbishment of the Sainsbury Centre required?

The refurbishment is needed to ensure the Sainsbury Centre remains a high-quality, accessible and sustainable destination for future generations. While the building is significant as a heritage asset, it now requires investment to improve its environmental performance, restore its external appearance, enhance the visitor experience, and address ongoing maintenance needs. This will provide the best environment to enjoy the Sainsbury Centre’s unique collection, as well as support its evolving programme of exhibitions, learning, and community engagement.

Crucially, the project will also help secure the long-term future of the building, both as an important heritage asset and as a gallery to house its precious art collection.

What will the building look like following refurbishment?
The refurbishment will carefully respect the Sainsbury Centre’s architecture, designed by Lord Norman Foster, returning the building closer to its original 1978 appearance. Its distinctive character will be retained, with the overall form and key architectural features preserved.

The original architect has guided the extension and past alterations to the building since its inception and is leading the project team in delivering this scheme.

Externally, the upgrade to the building envelope, alongside new glazing and enhanced entrance elements, will improve performance while closely reflecting the building’s original appearance. The end walls towards the east and west will now be double-glazed, preserving the admission of natural light and visual connectivity to the landscape. These enhancements will improve the building’s environmental performance without altering its overall character.

Internally, the programme introduces carefully considered upgrades to finishes, lighting and layouts, alongside enhanced visitor amenities such as a refurbished café and bar, improved bathrooms, and clearer wayfinding. These changes will improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience, while respecting the building’s original design intent.

Enhancements to the surrounding landscape, including improved planting, seating and an expanded south terrace, will strengthen the setting of the building while maintaining its architectural prominence.

Overall, the proposals will deliver a building that remains true to its original design, while significantly improving functionality, durability and thermal efficiency.

Are any parts of the Sainsbury Centre being demolished?

The proposals are focused on refurbishment rather than demolition. Any interventions will be designed to be sympathetic to the building, ensuring that its architectural significance and character are carefully preserved.

Will the refurbishment be sustainable?
Yes. Sustainability is a priority for the refurbishment and is essential to securing the long-term future of the Sainsbury Centre and supporting the University’s wider environmental objectives. The University has set clear targets to achieve an 80% reduction in campus carbon emissions by 2030 and 100% net zero carbon by 2045 or earlier, without relying on offsetting.

A key element of the works is the upgrade of the building envelope, which will significantly improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss. Alongside this, the introduction of high-performance double glazing will further reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency, while solar PV panels installed flat on the roof will allow the production of energy on site. Rainwater harvesting will allow for grey water recycling. Materials being removed from site will be recycled where practicable.

The refurbishment will also include the upgrade and replacement of building systems, improving efficiency and enabling the use of more sustainable, low-energy solutions. These measures will contribute to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions over the building’s lifetime and prepare the building to become ‘net zero’ ready. Overall, the refurbishment proposals are expected to halve the amount of energy the building consumes today.

Programme and Funding

When will the work start?

Subject to planning approval and listed building consent, it is anticipated that work could commence late 2027.

How much will it cost?

The refurbishment is made possible by a major philanthropic donation from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation established by Lord David Sainsbury.

The funding reflects a long-term commitment to safeguarding the Sainsbury Centre’s architectural significance while ensuring it remains environmentally efficient, resilient and fit for future generations.

What will happen to the artwork during the project and will there be alternative ways to see it?

During the closure, the Sainsbury Centre will operate as Museum Without Walls to maintain its responsibility (as a museum and research institution) to its visitors and to the collection via the delivery of an alternative programme of activity. The collection will be relocated to a specialist storage facility during the work.

Will alternative café facilities be provided during the project?

Plans to provide food and refreshments to those visiting the Sculpture Park during the project are in progress.

Where will the teaching that currently takes place in the building be moved to during the project?

Once the Sainsbury Centre is closed for refurbishment, the current teaching activities taking place will be relocated elsewhere on the UEA campus as part of the University’s wider timetabling.

When will the planning application be submitted/when can I comment officially?

The project team is currently progressing the proposals, with a target to submit a full planning application in Q4 2026.

Once the application has been submitted, full details will be made available via the local planning authority’s website. At that stage, there will be a formal consultation period during which members of the public can review the proposals and submit comments.

Who should I contact for further information?

If your question is not answered within the Frequently Asked Questions, please get in touch with the project team at sc-consultation@bidwells.co.uk.

The team will be happy to assist with any queries or comments regarding the project. Project updates will also be shared via the Sainsbury Centre and UEA websites.