University Building Developments

The University of Worcester is currently embarking on a wealth of building developments. As well as an entire second campus in the heart of the City, a series of developments on the St John’s campus, including a new state-of-the-art science laboratory and modern student residences, have recently been completed. The University has also recently purchased two riverside properties in Hylton Road for development.

Castle Street Development

The University’s vibrant new £120 million second campus in the heart of Worcester will breathe new life into the currently derelict former Worcester Royal Infirmary site. Highlights of the new campus include a centrepiece City square for the use of students, residents and visitors alike, as well as student residences and an innovative new wellbeing centre. A range of sustainable and environmental benefits will be incorporated into the construction of the site and several of the handsome historic buildings will be sympathetically restored. The City campus will also link to a new University and Public Library and History Centre – the first joint public and university facility in Europe.

The first phase of the new campus consists of two new blocks of student residences, which opened in September 2009, and the refurbishment of the historic Infirmary Building (incorporating the BMA Boardroom and Jenny Lind Chapel) and Mulberry House (both of which will be open September 2010).

The second phase of the new campus, which will include further new buildings for both student residences and academic teaching, has been deferred in the light of the current economic situation.  This area of the site will, however, in the meantime, be suitably landscaped.

St John’s Campus

Since 2006 £7.5m has been spent on a range of improvements to the University’s existing buildings. Some of these projects include, new audio visual and teaching facilities; environmental improvements, including double glazing; new roofs; enhancements to both indoor and outdoor dining facilities; improvements to the toilets, security systems and the Peirson Library.

We have also provided a new Digital Arts Centre, a world-class sports centre and laboratories, a purpose-built drama studio and a high-tech 3D motion analysis centre.

Our most recent improvements include a £7 million extension to the University-based National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU). The new two-storey facility opened in September 2009, it includes many innovative features, including a climate-controlled room capable of testing product and the effects of illnesses such as asthma in different environmental conditions.

The University was also given the go ahead to build 182 new student residences on its St John’s Campus. The £10 million en-suite accommodation was built adjacent to the existing Worcester Halls by leading West Midlands-based contractors Morgan Ashurst.  A range of sustainable technologies is being used within the buildings – including rainwater harvesting and recyclable construction materials.