Changing face of Preston skyline as iconic gateway takes shape at UCLan

The construction is the latest part of the University of Central Lancashire's £200m redevelopment masterplan and has seen 450 tonnes of primed steel creating the framework for the £60 million project, with 1,520 pieces of steel, all lifted into place by mobile cranes.

At the same time, 1,848 square metres of timber flooring will be installed to all three upper levels of the impressive building – which will span 16.5 metres in height in front of what will be a huge Civic Square.

The building and open square covers part of the area which once included the Fylde Building and will form an iconic gateway to Preston, spanning 8,440 sqm including the St Peter’s area, and providing flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief information and infrastructure officer says: "This is an exciting time for the project as we start to see the scale of the Student Centre and the skyline of the campus changing.

“We want to thank everyone, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists and businesses, for being patient while the work is ongoing. The long-term benefits of this major investment project will be worth it for many years to come.”

Designed by Hawkins\Brown following an international RIBA competition, the 7,304 sqm Student Centre building will provide a new reception area, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.

Ongoing work includes preparation for the Civic Square through contractor Bowmer + Kirkland and improvements to the highways and landscaping around the Adelphi Quarter being carried out by Balfour Beatty.

To keep informed of t current highways information and diversions, visit www.uclanmasterplan.co.uk or follow @uclanmasterplan on Twitter. Alternatively, you can email the Masterplan team at [email protected]