Youngsters see first hand the building of the UCLan Masterplan
Children from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Pre-School Centre were given a behind-the-scenes look at how the £200 million Masterplan is being brought to life during a special guided tour of the construction site.
Youngsters aged between three and five years were invited by UCLan and contractors Conlon Construction to see first-hand how the University’s new £8.15 million social spaces are being created.
Conlon’s larger than life mascot, Charlie Conlon, was also on hand to welcome the budding builders, who were kitted out in UCLan high visibility jackets and hard hats.
The children helped the digger driver to hook a duck out of his pool and were presented with a replica Hyundai digger for their classroom.
Michael Ahern, Chief Operating Officer at UCLan said: “As the Masterplan develops we are committed to keeping the wider community up-to-date with progress, and we felt it was important for the children to understand what is being built in their city too. It was also a great opportunity to teach the children about the construction industry, as well as to promote the different risks on a construction site and the importance of keeping safe.”
"A site visit creates an exciting learning experience and we enjoy seeing children get involved in hands-on activities that teach them different aspects of construction and hopefully inspires them for a future career in the in"
Saskia Holt, Officer in Charge at the UCLan Pre-School Centre, added: “Our visit to the construction site was truly magical for the children. They loved seeing all the diggers in action and being able to talk to the site manager, as well as the surprise visit from Charlie Conlon. It was a wonderful experience which tied in with our learning thread of discovering more about the ‘people who help us’.”
Michael Conlon, chairman at Conlon Construction, concluded: “As a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, we are always looking for opportunities to support and get involved with the communities in which we operate. A site visit led by an entertaining mascot creates an exciting learning experience and we enjoy seeing children get involved in hands-on activities that teach them different aspects of construction and hopefully inspires them for a future career in the industry.”
UCLan’s £8.15 million social spaces project is one of the first elements of the £200 million Masterplan due to be completed. The new facilities will provide a place for staff and students to come together in a relaxed environment, while incorporating areas for break out activities and informal spaces for social learning.
The Pre-School Centre is part of the Student and Academic Support Service and facilitates up to 90 children from ages six months to four years.
