Universities spruce up estates to woo students

ALMOST eight out of ten higher education institutions are planning major construction projects within the next year as they battle to attract more students.

Wates Construction – the family-owned firm building the new £12m Learning Commons for the University of Manchester – surveyed 52 higher education estates professionals who confirmed that despite budgets remaining largely flat, UK universities are making significant investments in their estates and facilities.

They cited the battle to attract students as the main driver behind the projects, as the sector adapts to the changing environment of reduced public funding, higher  tuition fees and fewer student applications.

Some 79% of those surveyed will carry out a major construction project worth over £5m within the next year. Teaching areas, research facilities and student accommodation are the three areas most commonly being upgraded.

The survey also found that universities are shaping their estates to fit the changing profiles and demands of different student groups. Over two-thirds of respondents state they are making changes in order to attract and accommodate more international and postgraduate students. Around 32% are considering large-scale commercial tie-ups such as on-campus science parks or hotels.

Phil Harrison, managing director for Wates Construction in the Midlands and North, said: “With public funding cut by 12.6%  per cent and student applications down by 8.7 per cent for the next academic year, it is a challenging time for the UK’s universities.

“Students are being asked to pay more than ever before for a university degree. That means they expect a quality of experience that reflects the high price they are paying.

“In order to remain competitive, universities are therefore looking to deliver modern facilities that have the ‘wow’ factor while also encouraging more efficient and collaborative use of space.”

Wates Construction is also delivering the new £20m Redmonds Building for Liverpool John Moores University and the £4.6m refurbishment and extension of the Chapman Building for the University of Salford.