W:
www.universitybusiness.co.uk | T: @UB_UK
CAMPUS SERVICES | TOP REFURBISHMENTS | 23
University’s new £58m library and student accommodation gets council support ROEHAMPTON PLANS GET GO AHEAD
Planning permission has been granted for the University of Roehampton’s new £58m landmark library and accommodation buildings, after a unanimous vote in favour by Wandsworth Council’s planning commitee. The three-year development
programme will see the creation of Roehampton’s first purpose- built £30m library building, the University says. The number of study spaces will be almost doubled from 700 to more than 1,300, and a wider variety of spaces for studying will be created to cater for different individual student and group requirements. University Librarian Susan
Scorey said the University’s intention was to have a fully modernised building, which would highlight the importance of learning and study. “The library will house our collection of books and journals, but with increased focus on future proofing and having the capability to move towards greater e-resources in time,” she said. “A purpose-built centre means
our collections will be much easier to navigate and the environment will reflect our aspirations for students. We want them, and other people who use the library, to see it as the central focus of what is a growing university with a focus on academic excellence.” The programme will also see
the delivery of accommodation buildings housing 388 en suite student bedrooms and a conference centre. Facing the library in the heart of the University’s campus, the four- and five-storey accommodation buildings and a conference centre will be constructed around two courtyards designed to encourage quiet social activities
ABOVE: The development programme will see the creation of Roehampton’s
and build on the University’s collegiate infrastructure. Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr,
Director of Estates and Campus Services at the University of Roehampton, said: “We were very pleased with the planning commitee’s unanimous support for what is the biggest regeneration of our campus in a generation. We’re listening to the views of our students to make sure that throughout the build and fiting out, we are keeping their needs foremost. The completed project will cement the University’s status as one of the most beautiful, secure and welcoming campuses in London and will further enhance our reputation for excellent academic performance.” Work is due to begin in January
2015, with the first building completed in July 2016. The purpose-built conference
suite is expected to enhance the Conference Roehampton offer to academics, and to the Wandsworth business community. It will include a top-floor function space with views across south London. The facility will cater for up to 150 delegates with the ability to sub- divide the space into three smaller suites. A video conferencing service will also be available. Speaking at Wandsworth
Council’s planning commitee meeting, borough councillor Jeremy Ambache said: “The University is of considerable benefit to the local community and needs to provide more accommodation for first years, we need to support the University in its role in Roehampton.” A report by council
planning officer Fiona Dyson regarding both the library and accommodation schemes stated: “The designs will provide high-quality buildings to atract students, visitors and staff, and will support and enhance their experience of living and working at the University of Roehampton. The University requires a new and improved library provision which provides an environment that is fit for purpose for a 21st-century university.” The library, accommodation
building and conference facility are the central focus of the University’s £80m masterplan for its estate. Its other significant project is the creation of three new halls of residence surrounding the 17th-century Downshire House, on the periphery of its campus. Work there has been under way for several months, with completion planned for the summer of 2015. UB
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82