Keele University Announce Infrastructure Partnership to Support Growth Plans
Keele University has announced a long-term partnership with University Partnerships Programme (UPP) to deliver its ambitious enhancement and expansion project, delivering new and improved student accommodation to support its growth strategy.
Having worked with the University over the past 12 months, UPP has shared its experience in developing and managing university accommodation, to contribute to Keele’s plans, which have progressed through consultation with students, staff and the local community.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Trevor McMillan says:
“We are delighted to be announcing Keele’s partnership with UPP, and look forward to delivering the accommodation our current and future students expect, to support a fantastic experience living on campus, which is important to our students and a crucial part of our strategic plan over the next four years.”
With increasing demand from current and future students for high quality, modern and affordable accommodation, the University is aiming to ensure the best experience is available, with the partnership providing an investment of £150m into the remodelling and expansion of the residential campus.
Sean O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“The University has been ranked first by the National Student Survey for student satisfaction for three years in a row and our partnership will enable more students to enjoy living on this institution’s award-winning campus.”
The proposals will aim to improve accommodation over four existing halls of residence, increasing the total room numbers by around 1,300 to approximately 4,300 rooms within the next four to five years. This will include the construction of approximately 2,300 high-quality, affordable rooms and the demolition of approximately 900 existing rooms that are deemed to be beyond their usable life. Keele and UPP have also proposed further developments including a new music and teaching facility, a new medical centre and a dedicated postgraduate hub as well as new social spaces in halls.
Emily Horsfall, Union Development and Democracy Officer at Keele Students’ Union, said:
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for Keele University to be able to offer even more students the option to live on campus. With growing student numbers, it is vital that the accommodation provision on campus is expanded; students and their representatives have been involved in that discussion and decision making and we will continue to play a part in this project. We believe the Keele community is an incredibly important part in students’ experience whilst at university here and we are committed to ensuring we as a students’ union have a positive input into shaping that.”
Over the last 10 years, Keele University has invested over £140-million in its campus and as one of the fastest growing universities in the UK, the project is an important pillar to its continued success and steady growth, whilst maintaining a sector leading student experience.
The estimated construction value of the project is expected to be in excess of £150-million and subject to gaining the necessary consents, construction is targeted to begin in mid to late 2017.