The university has been given the keys to its £60million student centre and university square.

The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) has undergone more than 100 weeks of major construction work to create the student square which will become the focal point of the universities Preston Campus.

Now open, the University Square will feature Wi-Fi and seating and welcomes students and local people to come together in a shared space.

Measuring 5,000 sqm, the University Square will play host to its first event in September when UCLan welcomes students and their families as they celebrate their graduations.

Commenting on today’s official opening, UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “This is such a proud moment for the University, for Preston and for everyone connected with this much-anticipated and highly complex project which has been delivered within budget despite unprecedented worldwide circumstances. 

“Our new Student Centre represents a superb new ‘front door’ for the University and underlines our commitment to continually enhancing our students’ experience. Work is continuing to complete the building’s interior and we are on schedule to officially open the doors for the first time when our students arrive for the start of the new term.”

The new Student Centre is a 7,304 sqm facility including a rooftop terrace, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.

Work to install internal fixtures and fittings is progressing and the Centre will be ready to welcome students.

The new development is the culmination of UCLan’s Masterplan project, launched in 2015, which set out a vision to create a state-of-the-art, sustainable campus for students, staff, visitors and communities for years to come.