University’s city campus development ‘has £23m impact’

University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus development has generated a social value of £22.95m for the local community by creating jobs, establishing new connections with business and the third sector, and respecting the environment during the build process.

The ambitious project, delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, in the heart of Gloucester city centre has exceeded key performance indicators (KPIs) across the board around measurements of its social, economic and environmental benefits – social value – ahead of its opening in 2025.

New figures show City Campus has surpassed its target for delivering job opportunities for the unemployed (583 per cent completion against target); bettered the target for apprentice weeks delivered (554 per cent); outperformed the target for donating funds and materials to the local community (525 per cent); and donated more volunteering hours to charitable causes than its initial target (260 per cent).

Among other KPIs the project has delivered on that contribute to the prosperity and health and wellbeing of the region are the provision of STEM placement and outreach activities for University of Gloucestershire and local school students, spending with the local SME supply chains, and taking action to reduce carbon emissions and finding sustainable solutions to waste management.

The City Campus development has to date provided sustained employment for nearly 1,000 people on site, including 35 who were not previously in employment and 26 apprentices, and opened up opportunities for graduates and students to gain valuable practical experience alongside their academic learning.

Next year, the 20,000 sq m building will become home to the University’s Institute of Education as well as its psychology and social work programmes. The campus will also include a range of public access facilities, such as a new public library delivered in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, and a Health, Arts and Wellbeing Centre created in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board.

Dame Clare Marchant, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “City Campus will be a real game-changer for Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire community. As well as providing our students with a fantastic learning experience, City Campus will bring substantial long-term social and economic benefits to the region.

“We’re thrilled that City Campus is already making a significant difference, as evidenced by the social value report, such as by improving employment opportunities, driving skills development, and supporting businesses through the local supply chain.

“We will continue to grow and strengthen our connections with businesses and organisations across all our locations in Gloucester and Cheltenham, where we are transforming Park Campus into a vibrant creative centre, as part of the critical role we play in driving regional economic growth and prosperity.”

Richard Fielding, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: “As we’ve demonstrated at University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus in Gloucester, our social value approach is very much designed with the community in mind. By delivering significant economic opportunities and supporting skills development, we’ve helped create a transformative space that will benefit Gloucester for years to come.

“Morgan Sindall is committed to generating real, tangible benefits – from creating employment opportunities and apprenticeships to supporting local businesses and driving forward environmental sustainability. The project’s success in exceeding social value targets demonstrates the positive impact that thoughtful, community-focused development can achieve.”