Campus development frequently asked questions

Here you can find lots of answers to common questions. If you have a query not answered here, email 2020 Estates Vision and we'll be happy to help.

What are the building works at the University?

The works are part of the University's 2020 Estates Vision.  This is a ten year plan which sets out how the University's estate will develop over the coming years.

Why has a plan been created?

We want to ensure we provide our students with high quality teaching facilities and learning resources when studying with us.  To enable us to do this it is essential that we continue to invest in our estate which means refurbishing current facilities and also constructing new buildings.

What are you building at the front of the College Lane Campus?

We currently have two projects in progress; Hutton Hub and Main Reception and Learning Zone.

What is the Hutton Hub?

This is a new student services centre which will be constructed within the quad space of the Hutton Building.  It will offer a single location where our students can interact with all of the services they require during their time studying at the University.

What is happening to Main Reception and what is the Learning Zone?

We are relocating the current Main Reception to the ground floor underneath Prince Edward Hall. This will make it more accessible to all users of the University and provide an improved welcome experience at the College Lane Campus.

The Learning Zone will be created next to the new reception.  This informal and relaxed area will be a flexible space suitable for socialising and group study.

What about the area in in the middle of the main building.  What is being built there?

This is the site office for our builder Morgan Sindall.  We are not going to be building anything in this location however the area will be landscaped at the end of the project when the site office is removed.

When will the works finish?

The current works will be completed in 2014 however they will be split into the following phases:

• Main Reception
• Informal Learning Zone
• Hutton Hub
• External Landscaping

The field between the student accommodation and Learning Resources Centre at College Lane is fenced off. Why?

This is the location of the first phase of our new student accommodation.

Why are you building new student accommodation?

At present we cannot house all of our first year students on campus, we want to be able to do this by increasing the number of rooms available by 1,500.  In addition, our current stock of bedrooms date back to the 1960's and are becoming expensive to maintain.  The new accommodation will provide a modern and sustainable standard of onsite living options like we have at our de Havilland Campus. 

When will it be finished and available for students to live in?

The project will be competed in three phases:

• Phase 1: May 2013 – September 2014
• Phase 2: September 2014 – September 2015
• Phase 3: September 2015 – September 2016

Does that mean between September 2014 and September 2016 students will be living in a construction site?

Construction works will be present however we are working within sectioned areas of the campus.  These will all be fenced off and screened, keeping disruption to a minimum.

How much will the new accommodation cost?

Details on rates for the new accommodation will soon be available from our allocations team, though we expect them to be approximately £125 per week.

Are there any other projects due to start at the College Lane Campus?

Yes.  We are currently preparing for the construction of a new Science Building. 

When will this project start?

The Science Building will start in Winter 2014.

Where will the new Science Building be?

Our new Science Building will be located opposite the College Lane Learning Resources Centre.

How will it be different to the current science facilities at the Campus?

The building will be a purpose built space offering multiple teaching facilities including teaching laboratories, research laboratories and computer laboratories.  It will also provide open areas suitable for informal learning and socialising between lectures.

When will it be finished?

The Science Building will be completed in 2015.

How are current students affected by all of the building works?

All of our construction projects are planned to ensure minimal impact on the rest of the University.  Programmes of works are scheduled around the academic calendar to minimise disruption, for example, no noisy works are carried out during the examinations periods.  We also ensure alternative pedestrian routes are provided and give advanced warning of any major works which may impact users of the campus.

What about noise?

Due to the nature of the projects some noise will be present, however, there are areas across the University which are not affected.  We therefore encourage students to make use of these.  We also look to relocate any teaching where possible to quieter spaces on the Campus.

Are there any projects which have already been completed?

Yes.  The Atrium space at the de Havilland Campus was remodelled in the Summer of 2012 transforming it from a cold and underused area to a comfortable and relaxed informal learning zone.