University’s vision takes shape

Staff, students and guests were taken on a tour of the new buildings which are already open, such as the Business School’s ultra modern Building One and the INTO Academic Centre which offers academic preparatory programmers’ for students with English as a second language. They were also invited to the opening of the new reception which is part of the Forum Project, the £48 million construction work which will form the new heart of the campus. The Chancellor unveiled a commemorative plaque at the opening of the reception area which also contains the specially commissioned glass artwork, designed by South West artist Alexander Beleschenko, on the front of the reception building. 

The piazza located directly outside the Forum Project is already proving popular with campus residents and the new reception, situated at the top of the Great Hall piazza area will provide a modern, comfortable and welcoming environment.

Baroness Floella Benjamin said: “We believe this state-of-the-art reception will help provide a new focal point within the heart of campus being created by the Forum Project. It is really exciting to see the new facilities which include informal meetings spaces and information screens where students can meet and interact with each other as well as members of staff from across the campus. It is no doubt reassuring to both present and future students, as well as parents, that the extensive building developments on campus illustrate that they are entering a world class University which is in good health in what remains a difficult financial climate for so many organisations.”

The opening of the new University reception provides a taste of what is to come once the Forum Project is completed in Spring 2012. The £275 million investment programme on the University’s Streatham Campus is moving towards completion, with many facilities now open for the new term. The first sections of the Forum Project, including the Great Hall Piazza and refurbished library levels are now open, along with completed projects such as the Business School expansion and INTO Academic Centre. Students have now moved into the new Birks Grange residential development and the first residences in Duryard and Lafrowda.