University vision takes shape across city skyline
The vision of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £200m Masterplan is becoming a reality as the steel-framed Student Centre and Civic Square are developed, illustrated in recent drone footage.
The 450-tonnes of primed steel – 1,520 pieces of steel in all – are being lifted into place using mobile cranes by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, and reach 16.5 metres in height in front of the expansive Civic Square.
Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief information and infrastructure officer, said: “The vision for the campus and the world-class facilities it will provide are becoming increasingly visible.
“The scale and quality of the development is there for all to see and the benefits for students, staff and the community is becoming clear.
“We would like to thank all the construction staff involved in the Student Centre and associated highways project for their hard work and determination to push the development forward at this difficult time.”
Designed by Hawkins\Brown following an international RIBA competition, the 7,304 sq m UCLan Student Centre building will provide a new reception area, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.
The new square will form an iconic gateway to Preston, spanning 8,440 sqm including the St Peter’s area, and providing flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.
Major projects completed as part of the university’s Masterplan include the Engineering Innovation Centre – a £35m state-of-the-art teaching and research facility – as well as the multi-faith centre Oasis and the Social Spaces buildings.
