UCLan’s £8.15m social spaces project enters construction phase

Work on the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £8.15m social spaces project has reached a fresh milestone.

An official ground-breaking ceremony was held (February 6) to mark the start of the construction phase, which will deliver new facilities aimed at improving the campus experience and providing a relaxed environment for students and staff.

The scheme, designed by architects AHR, will also incorporate break-out areas and social learning space.

Preston-based building firm Conlon Construction is now on site delivering the project, which forms part of UCLan’s £200m Masterplan.

At the university’s Greenbank and Harrington site, Conlon’s groundworks saw it excavate around 7,500 sq ft of material and lay 645 sq ft of new concrete, in addition to laying new foundations.

At UCLan’s Foster site, which is the bigger of the two social spaces, Conlon completed a piling process that saw 90 concrete piles used to create a solid base for foundation work.

Chair of the UCLan board, pro-chancellor David Taylor, said: “Through our Masterplan vision the university is fully committed to providing outstanding facilities for students and it won’t be long until we start to see these new buildings taking shape.

“We are creating two exciting and inspiring social hubs which will respond flexibly to the changing needs of both students and staff.”

Michael Ahern, chief operating officer at UCLan, commented: “We have also made it a priority to work in close collaboration with the Students’ Union on this project to ensure our investment meets student needs and enriches their experience as much as possible.”

UCLan Students’ Union president Sana Iqbal said: “It’s fantastic to see the work beginning on the new social spaces, the quick turnaround of these spaces means that students who have been disrupted temporarily will reap the benefits.

“We’ve worked closely with the University to ensure the spaces meet the needs of a diverse range of students. It will be somewhere to relax between lectures, particularly for commuting students, a place to socialise and even use kitchen facilities. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished results.”

Conlon Construction chairman Michael Conlon, commented: “It’s exciting to start the construction of the new student-focused facilities and play a role in supporting UCLan’s vision for an inspirational learner experience on the campus.

“The University is in the heart of Preston city centre and attracts many talented students to the area which in return brings so much into the local economy. As a Preston-based construction company we’re always keen to get involved with projects that make our city an even better place to live, work and study.”

The social spaces project is due for completion this autumn.