Greenlight for UCLan’s £60m Student Centre development

A flagship scheme at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has secured planning approval.

Preston City Council this week (January 11) gave UCLan the go-ahead to create its new £60m Student Centre and civic square – the centrepiece of its £200m Masterplan development.

The 78,600 sq ft Student Centre will comprise a reception area, student wellbeing support area and informal learning spaces.

The new square will span more than 90847 sq ft and serve, UCLan said, as an “iconic gateway” to Preston.

Designs for the project were delivered by architecture firm Hawkins\Brown.

UCLan’s chief operating officer, Michael Ahern, said: “Securing planning approval for this flagship project is fantastic news and we’re extremely grateful to the many people and organisations who came forward to provide us with their views during the consultation process. Their contribution was invaluable.

“It’s another significant step toward delivering a centre of learning where people of all interests and backgrounds can feel at ease, comfortable in their physical surroundings and supported in their academic, social and business aspirations.”

He added: “This project is of significant importance. Not only will it transform our campus but will positively contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Preston.”

Work on site could get underway in early 2019 for completion in Summer 2020.