First phase of university’s £200m masterplan completes
The first project within the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £200m masterplan has opened its doors.
Preston-based Conlon Construction has completed work on the university’s £8.15m social spaces.
A single storey ground floor extension has been added to the existing Foster Building, while a new facility has been built which links Harrington and Greenbank buildings.
Key design features include glass roofs and indoor hidden gardens, as well as movable furniture so that staff and students can reconfigure the space to suit their needs.
David Taylor, pro-chancellor and chair of the university board, said: “The opening of the social spaces marks the beginning of a new era here at UCLan, one that has certainly set the bar very high for the rest of our exciting Campus Masterplan.
“The new social hubs are outstanding facilities of which we can all be proud, providing integrated spaces where staff and students from different disciplines can mix and meet. It’s exciting to have completed the first phase of our five-year Masterplan, which will serve the needs and ambitions of our University, City and region for many decades to come.”
The social spaces were designed by architecture practice AHR, working alongside a 13-strong design team made up of key representatives from UCLan.
The next phase of the project due for completion is the £1m purpose-built Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre, which is expected to open in April 2018.
