£120m plans for Worcester’s second university campus » Education » 24dash.com

A vibrant £120m development, combining historic and innovative new buildings around a centrepiece city square will form the heart of the University of Worcester’s proposed new second, Worcester campus.

The detailed plans, presented by the University, highlight how the new development will breathe new life and purpose into the derelict former Worcester Royal Infirmary site and transform it into a crucial part of a new Learning and Cultural Quarter for the City.

Focusing on the creative arts and business, the campus scheme, backed by Advantage West Midlands, will secure over 1,250 new jobs and bring an extra £60m per year into the region’s economy by 2012.

The designs, conceived by leading British architects, Building Design Partnership will include;

* Centrepiece city square for students, residents and visitors alike. With a capacity to host public events and boasting an 800 seat natural amphitheatre for outside theatre performances, this outside space will create the biggest open public square in Worcester with enormous potential for festival and community use.

* A 400 seat multi use performance and conference centre. Acoustically designed for music as well as speech this multi-purpose centre will contribute greatly to the Worcester renaissance. Built partly underground, its grassed walkway roof will form a green focal point of the new city square.

* Innovative business incubator facilities as well as public galleries built within the old Royal Infirmary Building.

* Two glassed atriums will provide outstanding views onto the listed buildings and city square. The public will have full access to book and art shops, a restaurant, cafes and purpose designed art exhibition spaces and performance areas.

* Restoration of handsome historic buildings, which are currently lying derelict. This includes the boardroom where the British Medical Association was founded and the beautiful Jenny Lind Chapel.

* A range of sustainable and environmental benefits including solar panels for hot water, use of local and reclaimed building materials in the site’s construction, rainwater collection units and Biomass boilers fuelled with locally grown wood. 

* Residences for 400 students, all designed with access for people with disabilities.

* A well being centre, complete with small indoor running track, therapy and treatment rooms.

Plans for the 5 acre site are now being submitted to Worcester City Council planners and are due to be discussed by the planning committee later in April.

The new campus will link to the planned University and Public Library and History Centre via a covered walkway beneath Worcester’s railway viaduct. This adjacent development costing an additional £55m, would be the first joint public and university facility in Europe and is being developed in partnership with the county and city councils.

The University will be hosting a range of public consultation events and public displays of the new campus model and associated plans. This includes a display at the Guildhall, Worcester, from Monday, April 23 until Thursday, April 26 from 11am to 3pm each day.

University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green said; “The University is determined to breathe new life and purpose into this historic, beautiful yet neglected part of Worcester. Our ambition is to provide welcoming, imaginative, first facilities which inspire future generations into higher education through the creation of a vibrant learning and cultural quarter of which Worcester will be truly proud.

Nick Paul, Chairman at Advantage West Midlands, said; "As well as increasing the number of students at the University this project will provide a huge boost to the regional economy through its focus on supporting local businesses and the anticipated rise in tourists to the city." 

Helen Groves, Architect Associate Director of BDP, said; “The overwhelming public opinion has been to create an innovative and inclusive campus, which will become an integral part of the City.”

This campus will combine historic buildings alongside the best of the new. With a university town square at its heart, this major strategic site will be revitalised to the benefit of all.”

Worcester MP Mike Foster said; “The future prosperity of Worcester is tied to the success of our University. To compete in a global economy and keep local people in employment, we need a well qualified workforce with ready access to top educational and research facilities. Quite simply, our economy will grow faster benefiting us all, if more people go to university.”

Such a major regeneration of this part of Worcester will be a huge boost to local people, as well as the local environment. The design promises a stunning landmark building while maintaining our historic heritage. It is a project that the whole of Worcester should welcome.”

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