The University has unveiled a major three-year capital works programme worth more than £100m that will enhance its campus with new teaching space, student accommodation and a new Centre for the Arts.
This major investment in the future of the University and its Claverton campus will enable it to continue to attract some of the brightest and most gifted UK and international students and staff to the University and the city of Bath.
The proposed developments, which are subject to planning permission, will see improved provision for teaching and research with state-of-the-art learning space; a major increase in the availability of on-campus student accommodation; and a new arts centre for use by staff, students and the wider community.
The £100m capital programme includes:
A £26m General Teaching Accommodation building offering a dramatic new hub of learning and teaching ranging from twin 350-seat lecture theatres to 30-seat group lecture rooms. The building will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 students and will be connected to the main campus Parade with a ‘skywalk’ bridge. The University aims to have the building operational by October 2013, subject to planning approval.
- A £43m Student Accommodation complex providing 708 additional en-suite bedrooms in 75 flats across two buildings each with a modern kitchen and dining area. It will include a new refectory seating 350 with a café, a fresh food delicatessen, coffee bar, pizza and pasta eatery and a bar. The building is due to open in summer 2014, subject to planning consent.
- A new £10.9m Centre for the Arts providing the University and surrounding region with an exciting new venue for a ground-breaking public programme of arts events and activities. The building will provide a theatre, performance and rehearsal studios, a gallery, teaching facilities and a café and will offer classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions throughout the year. A dedicated Executive Education suite with large teaching area and breakout spaces will enable the School of Management to offer an extended programme of short courses, master classes, speaker events and seminars. The building is due to open in Autumn 2014, subject to planning permission.
- A £22m refurbishment of the 1 West building at the heart of the University’s campus will see it retain its original character while providing increased high quality teaching and research space and improved environmental performance. The project consists of three phases which will see the addition of new learning facilities, computer laboratories, research facilities and offices. Phase 1 is due to complete in September 2013, with Phase 2 opening in September 2014 and Phase 3 opening in September 2015.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, said: “Despite continuing economic uncertainty and the changing tuition fee landscape, the University of Bath is facing the future with great confidence.
“As Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’ and ranked in the top ten of all national league tables, we continue to attract some of the brightest and most gifted UK and international students and staff here.
“It is with the future in mind that we are planning to embark on this exciting three-year capital investment programme, which sits within our revised Masterplan 2009-2026 for planned growth.
“Our aim is to further enhance the University’s ability to deliver an outstanding student experience; creating additional facilities for research, and an inspiring working environment, as well as providing cultural and economic benefits for the wider Bath region.
“The addition of new high quality accommodation and teaching space close to the new Centre for the Arts and the Sports Training Village will offer the city a perfect venue for hosting national and international conferences – something which will benefit the local economy as delegates will look to spend time and money in the city.
“Of course, the creation of over 700 additional bedrooms on campus will also ease the pressure on the need for student housing in the city of Bath.”