THE UNIVERSITY of Worcester has announced plans to develop land near the St John’s Campus as part of a £100m investment.
A public consultation will be staged on proposals to develop land by Oldbury Road and Laugherne Brook in a bid to create new halls of residence together with supporting facilities such as a cafeteria and a new teaching space.
Officially Britain’s second greenest, the university will also be investing in attractive landscaping with the aim of ensuring that at least 40 per cent of the site becomes green and inviting.
A public engagement process to gather views on the proposals will begin at Worcester Community Trust Green Centre in Dines Green on Tuesday, July 19 from 3.30pm to 7pm and another at Worcester’s Guildhall on Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21, from midday to 4.30pm.
Professor David Green, the university’s vice chancellor and chief executive, said: “This exciting project, known as University Court, will create outstanding new facilities that will benefit students, staff, and the local community. It will further cement the University’s reputation for creating exceptional facilities for people with a disability.
“Our inclusive approach to existing halls has already proven its merit. Their design ensures that wheelchair users can move easily in all spaces and has led to Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball designating Worcester as the home for the GB women’s team. In partnership with our top-flight professional advisors, we aim to continue to lead the way in forward-thinking, accessible design.
“We will work to deliver a highly attractive, environmentally sustainable, significant development.”
As the site officially lies in the Malvern Hills District Council, the University will submit its outline planning application to Malvern Hills District Council.
Once the results of the consultation have been considered, the University hopes to finalise its outline plans and submit them to Malvern Hills in the autumn of this year.
A dedicated masterplan website can be accessed from July 20 at www.worcester.ac.uk/capitaldevelopments which will include initial plans along with a feedback address for the submission of views and ideas.
