A new build for the new year
Development proposals for Southampton Solent University’s city centre campus have been given the go ahead by the city council today (Tuesday 17 December).
The city council’s planning panel approved proposals for the stunning new £30 million building and final planning permission is set to be granted in the new year, after which work will begin.
“Getting approval for this exciting new development is great news for our students, staff and the city,” says the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore.
“In addition to the £20 million we have already spent on enhancing our facilities over the last five years, this flexible, vibrant and dynamic new space will further enrich the student experience at Solent,” he added.
The new structure will sit alongside the Sir John Everett Millais building and will be linked to the rest of the East Park Terrace (EPT) site through the atrium, opening up the campus for easier circulation.
Designed by Scott Brownrigg and due to be completed in 2015, a spectacular atrium will form the central hub of the new teaching block and conference facilities. Measuring 18 metres across and 80 metres long, it will include a multifunctional suspended ‘pod’ with a viewing platform above.
The new building will provide centrally located lecture and seminar facilities, together with social and flexible space for exhibitions, shows and events. It will have state-of-the-art lighting, acoustics and equipment. Beneath the atrium there will be a series of underground lecture theatres, one of them arranged in an oval ‘Harvard’ style.
The new structure is the first phase of a planned transformation of the whole EPT campus which will eventually include a new sports and sports science complex, a landscaped plaza and enhanced facilities for students, staff and visitors. It forms one of the ‘Very Important Projects’ in the exciting Master Plan to realise Southampton’s City Centre Vision.
Solent University has made significant investments in its facilities over past five years including: a brand new Media Academy with excellent facilities for all digital and creative courses; a new School of Art and Design; FA-accredited sports facilities at Test Park; and business start-up pods for student entrepreneurs.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
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