The Student Centre’s roof garden will be home to 100,000 honeybees, which have been relocated from UCLan’s Westleigh House in Cottam where they have been grown and nurtured for the last three years. The bees will play an important role in pollinating the many thousands of new plants, shrubs and trees which have been planted across campus during the course of the University’s Campus Masterplan project.

Featuring Wi-Fi and plenty of seating, the 5,000 sqm University Square will become a new focal point in UCLan’s Preston Campus. Offering a go-to location to host large-scale events, such as graduation ceremonies and festivals, the new facility will bring the City and University closer together than ever before.

Motion sensitive ‘light threads’ have been embedded into the Square which at night create a stunning illuminated pathway, guiding visitors into the Student Centre and central campus beyond. Designed by lighting consultants Jason Bruges Studio, the eye-catching feature symbolises cotton strands and is a proud reference to the city’s cotton heritage.

UCLan's Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “After years in the making, we are so proud to finally launch the Student Centre and University Square today, and open its doors to our students, both new and existing.

“We are committed to unlocking the potential of our students, in every aspect of their lives, and this step forward reflects that. After such a difficult year, it is a triumphant and historic moment to see students return from the summer holidays, and our first years arrive to start their journey right here.”

David Taylor, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board, added: “Beyond being a student wellbeing hub, the Student Centre and surrounding area are going to play a huge role in strengthening our ties with Preston and supporting its continuing evolution both economically and socially.

“The Student Centre is a magnificent piece of architecture, which has been a collaborative process from start to finish and will act as a gateway to the University and the City, something that we can all enjoy and be proud of.”

The new development is the culmination of UCLan’s £200m Masterplan project, launched in 2015, which set out a vision to create a unified, sustainable and welcoming campus which will enhance the experience for all those visiting the University and benefitting the local area.

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