The University of York has now been given the green light for the demolition of some existing empty buildings on campus, to make room for an exciting new student centre. Co-designed by ADP Architecture and O’Donnell + Tuomey, this brand-new building will become a significant new feature on Campus West.
The proposed designs for this £35m building will offer students a variety of innovative spaces, including events space, collaborative study areas, studios for student radio and TV as well as a brand new student union and student support services. Also on the agenda, are places to eat and drink, and an additional rooftop garden. Although plans have been underway since 2021, the latest update for the centre reports that the stripping of existing buildings has begun and hoarding has also been set up around the site in preparation.
To encourage students to thrive in their environment, the organisation has also been seeking feedback in the interim. Professor Tracy Lightfoot, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students, at the University of York, said: “This is an important milestone in this project. In the last year, we have spent a lot of time engaging and listening to our students to ensure that the plans truly reflect what they want, and need, from a building like this.”
Tracy continues: “The spaces have been adapted to fit their feedback and we will continue to do this throughout the rest of the process. Our iconic new Student Centre promises to be a fantastic asset to our students, the University, and the local community.”
As it currently stands, the hopes remain that formal building work will begin in the spring of 2024, with students able to access and use, the new facilities in the academic year 2025-26.
For the latest updates, visit www.york.ac.uk.
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