Progress made at UCLan student centre

Construction of The University of Central Lancashire’s new student centre, part of the overall £200m Masterplan, is making progress and the first steel has been erected. 

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.

A new civic 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.

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.

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."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.