University vision takes shape across city skyline

29 April 2020

Stunning new aerial images provide glimpse of the future

The vision of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £200 million Masterplan is becoming a reality as the steel-framed Student Centre and Civic Square are developed, as these photos taken from a drone above the campus demonstrate.

The 450 tonnes of primed steel ­- 1,520 pieces of steel in all - are being lifted into place using mobile cranes by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, which reach 16.5 metres in height in front of the expansive Civic Square.

"We would like to thank all the construction staff involved in the Student Centre and associated highways project for their hard work and determination to push the development forward at this difficult time."

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer said: “The vision for the campus and the world-class facilities it will provide are becoming increasingly visible. The scale and quality of the development is there for all to see and the benefits for students, staff and the community is becoming clear.

“We would like to thank all the construction staff involved in the Student Centre and associated highways project for their hard work and determination to push the development forward at this difficult time.”  

Designed by Hawkins\Brown following an international RIBA competition, the 7,304 sqm UCLan Student Centre building will provide a new reception area, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.

The new building rises against the Preston skyline
The new building rises against the Preston skyline

The new square will form an iconic gateway to Preston, spanning 8,440 sqm including the St Peter’s area, and providing flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.

Major projects completed as part of the University’s Masterplan include the Engineering Innovation Centre - a £35 million state-of-the-art teaching and research facility – as well as the multi-faith centre Oasis and the Social Spaces buildings. 

To keep informed of any travel updates and for more detail about current highways information and diversions, follow @uclanmasterplan on Twitter. Alternatively, you can email the Masterplan team at uclanmasterplan@uclan.ac.uk

To see the video of the latest steel work on the Student Centre see here.