UCLan secures greenlight for £8.15m social space project

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has secured planning permission to invest millions in the creation of new social spaces.

Work on the £8.15m project, forming part of UCLan’s £200m Masterplan, will get underway in early December.

A single-level ground-floor extension will be created on the university’s existing Foster Building to house areas for break-out activities and informal social learning space.

Another similar facility will link the Harrington and Greenbank buildings.

UCLan is hoping the dual scheme will improve the campus experience while providing a place for students and staff to come together in a relaxed environment.

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief operating officer, said: “The social spaces project is one of several designed to achieve our aim of creating a connected, vibrant campus in the heart of the city.

“The new facilities will mean that staff and students have all the more reason to visit and stay on campus for longer, and will increase interaction and collaboration between UCLan staff and the student community.”

He added: “The approval is another important milestone for our Masterplan and we look forward to work beginning on site over the coming weeks.”

Architects AHR provided the design for the project. The firm will now lead a 13-strong design team comprising key UCLan representatives as they establish input and ownership from those who will use the spaces.

The development could be finished as early as Autumn 2017.