Student Centre and University Square

Over the last six years we’ve completely transformed the area around Preston’s Adelphi Quarter for the benefit of our students and the whole community. Our Student Centre, which is 16.5 metres high, provides a striking focal point at the heart of our revitalised Preston Campus.

Located in front of the Student Centre, University Square is one of the largest public spaces to have been created in the UK for many years, forming a soon-to-be iconic gateway between the University and the surrounding city of Preston.

The Student Centre and University Square were designed by the internationally renowned and award-winning architects Hawkins\Brown. Construction was overseen by Bowmer + Kirkland, one of the UK’s leading development companies.

Sustainability is at the core of the Student Centre’s design. The combination of its large glass façade, solar panels, low energy lighting and the use of recycled materials creates a sense of light, space and airiness throughout.

Six years ago we set out our ambitions to transform our Preston Campus to enable all our students to enjoy the best possible University experience, as well as strengthening our ability to make a positive contribution to local communities and the regional economy.

With the opening of University Square, we will be able to bring together the city and the University like never before, building on our close ties with the people of Preston and Lancashire, and creating brand new opportunities for individuals to realise their potential and transform their lives.

One of the first major milestones in achieving our Masterplan was the completion of our £35m Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) in 2019. The EIC, which sits just across from the Student Centre and University Square, brings together world-leading research, creative business minds and inspiring teaching in a spirit of collaboration and discovery. As well as strengthening Lancashire’s position as a national centre of excellence for aerospace, advanced engineering and manufacturing, the EIC is enabling our students to work on live projects with our industry partners and helping us to achieve our vision of training a new generation of top engineering talent.

Our Masterplan project has led to the following new developments on the Preston Campus:

• Student Centre and University Square
• Highways improvements to encircle and complement the Student Centre and University Square
• Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC)
• Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre
• New Social Spaces in Foster and Harrington Buildings

In addition to our Masterplan project, we have also invested in transforming the student experience on our Burnley Campus. Key developments include the acquisition and refurbishment of the historic Victoria Mill building and the opening of new student accommodation at Sandygate Hall.