Sustainability the cornerstone of Heslington East
Posted on 30 April 2004
In its outline planning application submitted to the City of York Council today (30 April 2004), the University highlights the importance of environmentally friendly buildings, landscapes and transport on the site.
The application also outlines the expected 4,500 jobs which will be created by the expanded University.
"The University of York is one of the best in Britain," said Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor. "We must grow in order to sustain this excellence and we have a wonderful opportunity to do so. I believe it gives the whole city a focus for optimism in our collective future."
Sustainable development
The Masterplan for the site at Heslington East includes a large naturalistic lake and wetlands for wildlife. The lake will form a natural southern boundary. Together with grassed areas and extensive tree planting, the lake will play a large part in establishing an extensive biodiversity in the area.
Existing hedgerows along Low Lane will be extended, green wedges will be established between areas of building, and the site will be developed according to the land's natural topography. The lake will work with natural drainage and Kimberlow Hill will become an area of woodland, providing a pleasant vista for residents of Badger Hill and as a backdrop to the campus.
These plans are based on the 'triple bottom line' principles of sustainability, in which the development must contribute to social responsibility, environmental neutrality or enhancement, and financial viability.
Sustainable building materials will be used wherever possible, and the University plans to include efficient and modern waste and recycling facilities.
Both the existing campus and its extension at Heslington East will become almost traffic-free with car parks kept at the periphery of both sites. Parking on the campus will be available only for visitors, the disabled, and service vehicles. A new transit system or 'people-mover' will transport staff and students across the extended campus.
The University is working with the City of York Council to reduce traffic flows in and around Heslington. University traffic in the area, which accounts for 25% of the total, will be reduced as staff and students are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport.
Consulting communities
"In preparing the Masterplan and our outline planning application, we have been guided by three important factors," said Professor Janet Ford, who leads the University's Heslington East project. "First, Heslington East must be a high quality landscape, second, we are creating an academic community which will live and work together, and third, the campus will be open and welcoming to the citizens of the region."
The Masterplan has been informed by wide-ranging public consultation with local communities and with staff and students. This will continue throughout the life of the development.
The Masterplan and the planning application have been guided by the Development Brief for the site, which was adopted by the City of York Council earlier this year.
Jobs
The expansion of the University will see major growth in research activity, a growth in student numbers over a period of 10 to 15 years, more incubator space for start-up companies, and significant public facilities. The development is likely to create 2,000 University jobs, 2,500 jobs in 'related research activity', particularly in spin-off companies and a considerable number of further jobs in the city.
The University currently employs 2,700 people who work in a wide range of jobs. People who work at the University include technicians, administrators, gardeners, IT specialists, librarians, cleaners, chefs, security staff, marketing and personnel specialists, and accountants, as well as the academic teaching and research staff.
As well as new jobs created at the University, there will be associated new jobs in the local area. The 'multiplier' effect means that as the student population rises, extra jobs are created in the city. Research also shows that University income generates further income in the economy.
Academic and public spaces
Academic developments on Heslington East will include the relocation of some existing (and fast-growing) departments, such as Computer Science and Electronics. The University also plans to introduce new subjects, including Theatre, Film and Television, Law and Dentistry.
Heslington East will include new Colleges to provide high quality accommodation for an extra 3,300 students. Distance learning, part time and local students will continue to live at home.
Public facilities will include extensive sports provision. This is likely to include playing fields, an indoor sports arena and an athletics track. A performing arts centre will complement theatres in the city, providing flexible space for visiting and home-grown artists.
Science City York has generated over 9,000 jobs, and Heslington East will provide more 'incubator' space for start-up companies, particularly those which spin-out from academic departments. These facilities will be integrated with academic departments. Developing the knowledge-based economy is a key factor in driving the University's expansion.
Imperatives for growth
"The University of York has become one of Britain's highest performing and most respected universities," said Professor Janet Ford. "We must expand in order to sustain that excellence, and are very fortunate that we have the capacity to do so."
The University's growth is imperative for a number of reasons. Student demand for places at York at undergraduate and postgraduate level is very high. In addition, government policy aims for 50% participation in higher education. The University wishes to respond to this demand whilst retaining its high standards.
Research growth is a key area. Researchers from all over the world, attracted by York's reputation, wish to join the University.
The University is also expected to play a crucial role in economic development through spin-out companies and knowledge transfer. More space is needed for these research-related activities.
"This will be a campus open to all," said Jon Meacock, Heslington East project director. "We intend it to be a beautiful place, sensitive to its neighbours and to the landscape. Its open nature and the public facilities should make it a place where every citizen of York can feel that it belongs to them."
Notes to editors:
- Details of progress on Heslington East can be followed at www.york.ac.uk/heslingtoneast
- The University has established 12 working groups to consider different aspects of the expansion plans. They include Sustainable Development, Colleges, Performing Arts, and Sport and Leisure.
- The University of York is Britain's leading teaching university. It is ranked 6th for research quality and first for research efficiency. It is the Sunday Times University of the Year.
- The University currently has 8,500 full-time students, 1,700 part-time students and 2,700 staff. It is the sixth smallest university in England.
- A study commissioned by Universities UK shows that for every 100 jobs within universities, a further 89 are generated indirectly in the area. Moreover, for every £1 million of higher education institutional output, a further £1.56 million of output is generated in other sectors of the economy.
- The University leads Science City York with the City of York Council, is a member of Higher York with York College, York St John College and Askham Bryan College, and is a member of the York Tourism Bureau, Yorkshire Universities and the White Rose Consortium.