A new state-of-the art centre will open at Bournemouth University in 2015 to enhance the experience of students.
Bournemouth University (BU) was given the green light by Poole Planning Committee today [Thursday, 23rd May] to develop a glass-fronted, six-storey building.
The £10.5m centre will provide significant additional learning space and be a new home to the Students’ Union at BU (SUBU) and some student services.
A low-carbon building, it will be located at the heart of the Talbot Campus and provide high-quality spaces where students can engage in social learning and study activities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney said: “The University is committed to providing world-class facilities for our students and this building will provide just that.
“It is essential we continue to attract high calibre students for years to come in an ever-increasing competitive market.
“Our activities support 2,700 jobs, including contributing £240m to the local and regional economy.
“These figures will only be maintained and grow whilst students continue to choose to study here and the student experience is central to this.
“It will also provide a welcome boost to the economy during the next two years with the creation of construction work and opportunities for local suppliers.”
Building work on the new student centre will get underway in July 2013 and is expected to be fully operational by the spring of 2015.
It will include learning and leisure facilities, offices for the student union (SUBU), social learning spaces, radio and media studios, a student advice centre, meeting space, accessible open-plan areas for student-focused services and a café.
Currently, the student union and student study facilities are constrained on one floor of the campus’s Poole House building.
The new centre will give SUBU much more opportunity to increase engagement and involvement in its activities.
Louise Bryant, SUBU President, said: “This is fantastic news for the Students’ Union and all students who will come to study here.
“SUBU offers advice, representation, and a whole range of extracurricular activities for students including clubs, societies and volunteering.
“This new centre will not only make it easier for students to access all of these services but it will also provide them with more space to learn, study and socialise.”
Professor Vinney added: “In order to maintain current student numbers we cannot afford to stand still – our new student centre will have a significant and immediate positive impact.
“Students expect modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that promote learning and generate a rich experience and this fantastic new building will meet their aspirations.”
