Royal visit marked the opening of £28m University of Huddersfield building

A royal visit was on hand to see the opening of the University of Huddersfield’s new £28m Oastler Building, which was designed by AHR.

Set to house the University’s Law School and part of the School of Music, Humanities and Media, the new six-storey building was officially unveiled this week by HRH The Duke of York.

Facilities include four 300-seat lecture theatres, a mock Law Court, tutorial spaces, language labs and offices, as well as a range of environmental features which have helped the building to achieve BREEAM Excellent status.

AHR designed the building with a curved frontage, facing out onto Huddersfield’s main ring road with a 3.5m cantilever across six storeys.

Rob Barton, project architect at AHR, said: “The Oastler Building is a wonderful addition to the University and will provide modern and vibrant teaching and social spaces. It is an inspiring place to study, with first class facilities, and will further enhance the University of Huddersfield’s offering and appeal to both students and staff.

“We have built an excellent relationship with the University and this is the latest in a number of projects designed and completed on the campus by AHR. With a prominent town centre site, the Oastler Building will be at the heart of university life with clear connections to the wider campus.”

BIM provided an array of data which enhanced the build process, and will further benefit the University in terms of asset management and future estates development plans.

Environmental features include a ‘living roof’, designed to slow the rate of rainwater run-off and improve air quality by filtering air pollutants and noxious gases.

Anthony Langan, AHR director and education sector lead, added: “Education is a key sector for AHR and we have a strong reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable and high-quality buildings.

“With architectural and building consultancy expertise all under one roof, our multi-service approach allows us to find solutions for projects of all sizes, from new builds and full refurbishments, to minor renovations and extensions.”