£26 million student centre gets go-ahead

Aerial shot of the University of Essex
Plans for the new £26 million Student Centre and library extension at the University of Essex have been approved. Photo: ITV Anglia

Plans for a new £26 million Student Centre and extension to the library at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus are set to move ahead after the scheme received planning permission.

The University of Essex is going out to tender in October to find a contractor to complete the project. Work is due to start in January 2013 with a completion date of late 2014.

The state-of-the-art centre will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for a range of student services, putting accommodation, finance, registry and student support functions under one roof.

The Albert Sloman Library extension will include an archive and special collections book store, 24-hour postgraduate study area, additional study space and library shelving and an expanded student book collection.

University of Essex
The University of Essex admitted its first students in 1964 although much of the modern campus wasn't built then. Credit: ITV Anglia

“We are looking forward to getting work underway on this project as it will improve facilities for our students and staff, and bring student services together more cohesively.”

– Richard Halsall, University of Essex

Designs for the scheme have already been drawn up by award-winning architects Patel Taylor – the practice that designed the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall at the Colchester Campus.

The project is part of the University’s £200 million-plus capital investment plan to improve facilities and enhance the student experience.

Aerial shot of the University of Essex
Plans for the new £26 million Student Centre and library extension at the University of Essex have been approved. Credit: ITV Anglia