A Derbyshire construction group has been appointed by a university to build a new student centre and civic square as part of a £200 million project.
Bowmer and Kirkland, which is headquartered in Heage, has been appointed by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), in Preston, to deliver a 7,300 sq metre building which will feature a reception area, informal learning spaces and a student well-being support centre.
The new civic square will form an iconic gateway to Preston, spanning 8,440 sq metres. It will provide flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.
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Improvements to landscaping and the public realm in the Adelphi Quarter of the city will also be carried out as part of the wider programme of works.
Work is scheduled to begin this month with the project due for completion in 2020.
Neil Brook, north-west regional director at Bowmer and Kirkland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been chosen by UCLan to build this prestigious and important facility for them.
“Our entire north-west team is looking forward to working with the university and other project partners to deliver this important scheme for the university and the city of Preston.”
The design for the student centre follows an international RIBA competition. The winning design for the £60 million building came from Hawkins\Brown.
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Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief operating officer, said: “We’ve seen the completion of two major projects in the past year – our multi-faith centre Oasis and the student Social Spaces, with the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) nearing completion and preparing to welcome students in September.
“Bowmer and Kirkland has an impressive track record in delivering projects in the education sector so we’re looking forward to working together and seeing the focal point of our masterplan, the Student Centre and new civic square, starting to take shape over the coming months.”
David Taylor, pro-chancellor and chairman of the university board, said: “This is a real milestone for our masterplan.
“It signals the start of a highly significant project – not only in terms of what it will mean to our staff and students but also the people who live, work in and visit Preston.
“The new square will provide a fantastic, civic space for all the community to use, and heralds a new vision for the Adelphi Quarter.”