A new £60million student centre has welcomed students in for the first time.
The University of Central Lancashire has opened the doors of their new student centre and university square in Preston.
The 7,304 square metre building has places to study and socialise as well has having a rooftop garden which is home to 150,000 honeybees.
The centre holds the student support services which includes mental health provisions, careers advice, course information and accommodation assistance.
Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “After years in the making, we are so proud to finally launch the Student Centre and University Square today, and open its doors to our students, both new and existing.
Students inside the new centre
“We are committed to unlocking the potential of our students, in every aspect of their lives, and this step forward reflects that. After such a difficult year, it is a triumphant and historic moment to see students return from the summer holidays, and our first years arrive to start their journey right here.”
Featuring Wi-Fi and plenty of seating, the 5,000 sqm University Square will become a new focal point in UCLan’s Preston Campus.
Offering a go-to location to host large-scale events, such as graduation ceremonies and festivals, the new facility will bring the City and University closer together than ever before.
Motion sensitive ‘light threads’ have been embedded into the Square which at night create a stunning illuminated pathway, guiding visitors into the Student Centre and central campus beyond.
Designed by lighting consultants Jason Bruges Studio, the eye-catching feature symbolises cotton strands and is a proud reference to the city’s cotton heritage.
The outdoor space features plenty of seating and WiFi
The new development is the culmination of UCLan’s £200m Masterplan project, launched in 2015, which set out a vision to create a unified, sustainable and welcoming campus which will enhance the experience for all those visiting the University and benefitting the local area.
David Taylor, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Board, added: “Beyond being a student wellbeing hub, the Student Centre and surrounding area are going to play a huge role in strengthening our ties with Preston and supporting its continuing evolution both economically and socially.
“The Student Centre is a magnificent piece of architecture, which has been a collaborative process from start to finish and will act as a gateway to the University and the City, something that we can all enjoy and be proud of.”
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