Inspiring vision of University of York's future
Posted on 24 April 2006
On the eve of the public inquiry into the plans for the 65-hectare Heslington East project, the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said that the expansion would make a massive social, economic, educational and environmental contribution, both locally and nationally.It will lead to a major increase in research capability at York, already one of Britain's leading research institutions, contributing hugely to the public good in medicine, social policy, the environment and the arts.
The campus extension would eventually result in a 50 per cent increase in total student numbers, from the current total of 10,000. It will create 2,000 new jobs at the University and a further 2,500 related jobs.
These are visionary proposals reflecting the University's need for growth in an increasingly knowledge-based world, yet doing so in a way which is both sensitive and sustainable
Professor Brian Cantor
But it will also feature substantial green corridors, as well as a lake, new woodland and extensive areas of wetland, designed to increase the biodiversity of the area.
Professor Cantor said: "These are visionary proposals reflecting the University's need for growth in an increasingly knowledge-based world, yet doing so in a way which is both sensitive and sustainable. Our proposals are based on the core principles that have guided the University's success in its first 43 years.
"Heslington East minimises the social impact of expansion and maximises sustainability. It will allow existing departments to grow and enable us to introduce new academic initiatives to make sure that the University addresses the educational and economic needs of York and of the country.
"The University's economic and educational contribution, locally, regionally and nationally is very significant. We help to provide the country with a skilled workforce and are engines of growth in our post-industrial society. We have much to contribute but we can only do this if we grow in a sustainable way, while retaining our quality, excellence and ethos."
The University is already one of York's largest employers, supporting 4,500 jobs in the region and contributing £150 million per year to the local economy. Heslington East would generate substantial new employment to help compensate for the contraction of traditional industries in the city. The University is planning that the first students should move into the 65-hectare expansion, to the north-east of Heslington and next to the Grimston Bar roundabout, by September 2009.
The extended campus will be virtually car-free - the plans for Heslington East feature a range of measures to reduce traffic movements around the campus including a dedicated transit system. The University will also work with the City of York Council to secure a substantial overall reduction in traffic in the area.
Members of the wider community will be able to use a range of sports facilities planned for Heslington East, including a swimming pool, fitness suite, badminton hall and tennis courts. The high quality landscape will also be used for rowing, jogging and a children's play area, as well as an outdoor educational study centre and a community archaeology project.
Notes to editors:
- The public inquiry into the University of York's proposed Heslington East expansion starts at the Guildhall, York, on 25 April 2006 at 10am.