A stylish, multifunctional new space providing catering, social, and learning areas has been officially opened in the heart of Keele University’s campus.

Located in Chancellor’s building, CENTRAL offers an exciting and contemporary place where students and staff can study or work, socialise and grab a bite to eat with friends and colleagues.

Serving a wide range of food and drink, the space will be open seven days a week, with a plaque to mark its opening having been officially unveiled this week by Dame Jo Williams DBE, Keele’s Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council.

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Keele University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan and Dame Jo Williams DBE at the official opening of CENTRAL

Equipped with tables, comfy chairs, and plenty of power sockets, the space will meet increasing demand for social learning spaces on campus, providing another area for groups and individuals to work on laptops and other devices, as well as providing an informal space to catch up on some work or reading between lectures, take a breather from studies, or purchase daily essentials.

The adjoining CENTRAL Café serves Costa coffee, iced drinks, hot and cold sandwiches, pastries and cakes throughout the day, while the CENTRAL to Go facility will have a variety of daily essentials on offer, as well as coffee machines and self-service tills so you can grab a drink or snack on the go.

Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University said: "Our excellent on-campus environment is something we take pride in at Keele, and CENTRAL is a prime example of how we work hard to make sure our students always have everything they need just a short walk away. I’m thrilled to see CENTRAL officially open, providing a fantastic addition to our broad and exciting food and retail offer.”