The first pieces of steel have been erected in the heart of the Preston Campus
Construction of the showpiece Student Centre project being created as part of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) £200 million Masterplan is starting to change the skyline of the campus.
The 450 tonnes of primed steel being delivered to the site is creating the framework for the £60 million project, with 1,520 pieces of steel in all being lifted into place via mobile cranes by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.
"We want to thank everyone, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists and businesses, for being patient while the work is ongoing. The long-term benefits of this major investment project will be worth it for many years to come"
At the same time, 1,848 square metres of timber flooring will be installed to all three upper levels of the impressive building – which will reach 16.5 metres in height in front of what will be an expansive Civic Square.
Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer said: “This is an exciting time for the project as we start to see the scale of the Student Centre and the skyline of the campus changing.
“We want to thank everyone, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists and businesses, for being patient while the work is ongoing. The long-term benefits of this major investment project will be worth it for many years to come.”
Designed by Hawkins\Brown following an international RIBA competition, the 7,304 sqm Student Centre building will provide a new reception area, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.
The new square will form an iconic gateway to Preston, spanning 8,440 sqm including the St Peter’s area, and providing flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.
Other work on UCLan’s Masterplan continues to progress, including preparation for the Civic Square through contractor Bowmer + Kirkland and improvements to the highways and landscaping around the Adelphi Quarter being carried out by Balfour Beatty.
Major projects completed as part of the University’s Masterplan include the Engineering Innovation Centre - a £35 million state-of-the-art teaching and research facility – as well as the multi-faith centre Oasis and the Social Spaces buildings.
To keep informed of any travel updates and for more detail about current highways information and diversions, follow @uclanmasterplan on Twitter.
Alternatively, you can email the Masterplan team at uclanmasterplan@uclan.ac.uk.