University of York expansion opens for business
Posted on 8 October 2010
The £200 million first phase of the development at Heslington East opening on Monday includes new accommodation for the Departments of Computer Science and Theatre, Film and Television and the York Law and Management Schools.The 65-hectare Heslington East expansion will signal 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.
Based on a combination of public and private funding, including support from the European Regional Development Fund, the campus extension will eventually result in a 50 per cent increase in total student numbers to around 15,000 as well as creating up to 2,000 new jobs. It will make a massive social, economic, educational and cultural contribution, both locally and nationally.
Heslington East will feature businesses embedded alongside academic clusters focused on creative and technological industries. This close relationship will promote innovation and knowledge transfer while providing students with an unrivalled experience to develop entrepreneurial and technological skills. The expansion represents a 21st century development of the University's pioneering concept, already successfully established on York Science Park, of linking businesses to research centres on an academic campus.
The expansion also features two flagship buildings – the Ron Cooke Hub and the Catalyst – housing an integrated network of support for start-up and early-stage businesses. This will include incubator units and space for cutting-edge research centres that will combine the innovation and expertise of academic staff, students and businesses.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Brian Cantor, said: “World-class universities, such as York, are the intellectual, cultural, social, economic and technological dynamos of the modern world. In order to continue to fulfil that role, we need to grow, but in a sustainable way. The first phase of our campus expansion is a key stage in that process.
"Heslington East will increase our capacity to build new and exciting partnerships between our world-class research base and business for the good of the economy. The campus expansion will enhance the student experience, and contribute socially and culturally to the community.
"We are already one of York's largest employers, supporting around 6,000 jobs in the region and contributing more than £160 million per year to the local economy. The campus expansion is helping to generate significant new employment at a difficult time for the economy both locally and nationally.
"When we embarked on this journey we knew that it would be a challenge, but I would like to pay a personal tribute to the hard work and dedication of so many people, both within the University and beyond, who have helped to make it happen, on time and on budget. Our expansion is based on the core principles that have guided the University's success in its first 47 years. These superb new buildings, and those that will follow, will enhance our wonderful campus for the benefit of students, staff and the wider community."
Developed on sustainable principles, the campus expansion includes substantial green corridors, as well as a lake, new woodland and extensive areas of wetland, designed to increase the biodiversity of the area. It includes recreational and cultural facilities that will be available for use by the wider community. The extended campus is virtually car-free with a range of measures in place to reduce traffic movements around the campus. The University is working with the City of York Council and other partners to secure a substantial overall reduction in traffic in the area.
The new academic buildings come into use a year after students moved into Goodricke College, 620-room student accommodation, on Heslington East.
Planning is already in progress for the second phase of the Heslington East expansion which will include at least one new college providing student accommodation, further academic buildings and a sports village featuring a swimming pool available for community use, fitness suite and all-weather sports pitches.
Kersten England, Chief Executive of City of York Council, said: “The University of York is rightly regarded as one of the best universities in the world and the new campus developments will ensure that it can further develop its reputation for excellence.
”The University plays a key role in the economic, social and academic heart of the city and we are particularly keen to develop more links between local business and research facilities, making York the innovation capital of the North."
Professor Nicola Spence, Chief Executive of Science City York, added: "The opening of the new departments and buildings at Heslington East marks an exciting new phase of growth and expansion for the University of York. The development reaffirms the University's outstanding reputation as a world-class centre of research and teaching, and will drive the local economy through business and community engagement.
"At the very heart of the new campus, the Catalyst and Ron Cooke Hub buildings provide some of the most exciting space in the UK for new businesses to establish and grow. Businesses will work alongside world-leading research and knowledge transfer specialists within a 21st century environment engendered by learning and innovation. Science City York is totally embedded within this vision and we look forward to continuing our commitment to maximising potential and capability within the city."
Notes to editors:
- More information on the University’s campus development at www.york.ac.uk/campus-development/
- A selection of images of Heslington East is available at: www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2010/campus/heslington-east/photos
Contact details
Keep up to date
Subscribe to news feeds
