£48m University Forum project gets the go-ahead

It will include the creation of a new Student Services centre, a landscaped piazza in front of the Great Hall, extra learning spaces, a large auditorium, new University reception and retail and catering outlets.

The University’s Library will also be extended and refurbished as part of the project.

The innovative design, by leading architects Wilkinson Eyre, has been created to blend in with the natural contours of the University. The grid shell roof will allow natural light to flood through the building and a roof terrace will give some of the best views available over the city. 

David Allen, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted that the planners have given this iconic project the go-ahead. Last month Exeter achieved its goal of becoming one of the top ten Universities in the UK. Now we need to build on that position and investing in world-class facilities is an important part of that work. The Streatham Campus has always lacked a natural “heart” to draw students, staff and visitors together. The Forum Project will provide that centrepiece and will be a wonderful facility for many years to come.”

Enabling works for The Forum are getting underway over the summer to allow construction work to start in January. It will take around two years to complete.

Councillors also gave the go-ahead for new halls of residence to be built alongside existing residences at Lafrowda at the northern end of the campus. Alongside a refurbishment programme, this will lead to an extra 519 rooms for students on the site.

Mr Allen added: “We are investing considerable sums in our teaching and research facilities; but those facilities must be backed up by top quality student accommodation. We are delighted to be working with University Partnerships Programme (UPP) who have a strong track record in building first-class facilities for students. The new developments will also help to relieve pressure on the private rented market in Exeter and make more homes available for rent by local families.”

The two developments are just part of a £270 million investment in the University’s Streatham campus over the next three years. Work has been taking place for the past twelve months on improvements to the Biosciences department. The £25m project involves creating a state-of-the-art aquarium and top laboratory facilities.

Construction work on the new Business School expansion is expected to start by the end of July. The £25m expansion will enable the school to double its annual turnover to £28m and provide sixty new jobs.