The University has undertaken a number of recent development projects to enhance the campus environment for students, staff and visitors. Here are some examples:
Current Campus Developments
Student Halls of Residence
Over the last five years, some £15m has been spent on the refurbishment of the Halls of Residence, including a £1m project to revamp student social space in all five Halls of Residence was completed in April 2008. All Halls now have alcohol-free facilities, incorporating a quiet/meeting room, multi-channel tv, welfare facilities and kitchen.
Library
A major £2million refurbishment and reconfiguration of the University Library was completed in 2007, in order to provide a modern well equipped building that will meet the needs of today’s students and researchers. In particular group working has been accommodated and facilities such as electronic whiteboards and mobile computing installed. Work was also undertaken to improve social spaces and improve facilities for disabled users.
The Claus Moser Research Centre
In June 2008, the University opened a prestigious new research building to provide a dedicated Social Science and Humanities interdisciplinary research facility. The Claus Moser Research Centre house four of the University’s Research Institutes and has dedicated facilities to support postgraduate, postdoctoral and contract research.
Current and Future Initiatives
There has been considerable development of the estate and campus to enhance its attractiveness, including further work in relation to the Heritage, Lakes and Valleys Project including the renovation and development of the Space Observatory into a Regional Visitor Centre for Science.
A new 60 person laboratory teaching space for Pharmacy, Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry students is being created in the Lennard Jones building, and the Dorothy Hodgkin and Hornbeam buildings are currently being recladded.
There are also exciting proposals to redesign Union Square, to include seating areas, an events plaza, significant pedestrianisation and an enhanced campus signage system.