Ground-breaking ceremony as work starts on £8.15m University of Central Lancashire project

What’s happening?

A “ground-breaking” event has taken place to mark the construction phase of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £8.15m social spaces project, set to improve the “campus experience”.

Where is it up to?

Conlon has started groundworks for the Greenbank and Harrington site, where it excavated approximately 700 cubic metres of material and laid 60 cubic metres of new concrete, as well as laying the new foundations.

The firm will now prepare the site for the concrete floor slab and the steelwork structure.

On the Foster site, Conlon has completed a piling process, which saw 90 concrete piles used to provide a solid base for foundation work.

Across both sites, about 150 tonnes of steel is expected to be used to form the structures.

When will it finish?
The scheme is due for completion this autumn as part of the university’s £200m masterplan proposals.

Reaction

David Taylor, pro-chancellor and chairman of the UCLan board, said: “Through our masterplan vision the university is fully committed to providing outstanding facilities for students and it won’t be long until we start to see these new buildings taking shape. 
We are creating two exciting and inspiring social hubs which will respond flexibly to the changing needs of both students and staff.”

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief operating officer, added: “We have also made it a priority to work in close collaboration with the Students’ Union on this project to ensure our investment meets student need and enriches their experience as much as possible.”
Sana Iqbal, president of UCLan’s Students’ Union, said: “It’s fantastic to see the work beginning on the new social spaces.”