Agenda: HRA Committee Meeting – 7pm, Tuesday 14 July 2026

Updates from the University 

Following a meeting with Portswood Ward councillors and a local resident the University is investigating ways to make the Avenue campus amenities more accessible to local residents, specifically around the access to the cafe during school holidays. University Catering have agreed to fund a free ‘coffee and cake’ voucher during August for local residents. The programme will fund up to 100 vouchers to the value of £5 per person throughout August. The Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement is working with colleagues in Estates to develop a Tree Detective activity for children to identify trees and plants on Avenue campus to learn more about nature on campus. Further details of this project will be published during July with information shared with resident’s associations with a request that this is shared via websites and newsletters. HRA members are warmly welcomed participate in the voucher scheme. Participation in Tree Detective activity is not compulsory but is encouraged…

In response to concerns raised around lighting at Avenue causing a disturbances to residents on Khartoum Road Security teams are now manually ensuring that all lighting is turned off on second floor. The University is also investigating automated solutions to be deployed in the autumn to ensure that evening work by students in computer labs do not cause a light source issue for neighbours.

The University supported the development and installation of an infographic developed by pupils at Sholing Junior School to honour the RAF heroes of WWII. The infographic was unveiled at Sir James Mathews building in Guildhall Square. Residents are encouraged to review the wonderful work of these pupils when next in Guildhall Square (located on Above Bar end of exterior wall facing Guildhall Square).

Finally summer Graduation is nearly upon us. Commencing on Wednesday 15^th July in Southampton Guildhall Hall and at Winchester Cathedral (for Winchester School of Art students) this high point of academic year is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of students, their family and supporters and academic staff. Completed over two weeks residents should expect begowned students and proud family members to be highly visible in the city. Of note for this Committee is the award of an honorary degree for services to the city of Southampton and energy security to Highfield resident Lord Alan Whitehead.