University to consult public, students and staff on campus redevelopment – University of Reading
10 October 2007Plans for future development at the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus will soon be open for public consultation.
The University is seeking to consult as widely as possible with members of staff, students, the public, local organisations and businesses regarding the £250m Whiteknights Campus Development Plan covering the years 2008-2018.
A six-week open exhibition will be held on campus, giving all interested parties the opportunity to view, discuss and comment on proposals prior to plans being finalised and submitted to Wokingham and Reading Borough Councils early in 2008.
The development programme will include the replacement of a number of halls of residence and public access to the campus, whilst retaining the high quality environment of the campus in a sustainable way.
Professor Gordon Marshall, Vice Chancellor of the University, said: "The University is one of the largest employers in this region and contributes much to the vibrancy and wealth of this area. The consultation offers us the chance to engage with our neighbours, staff and students.
"We know that many people locally see the campus as an asset. We want this to continue. The public consultation is to make sure local people, staff and students know what we have planned for the future of the Whiteknights campus, and to make sure they play a part in shaping its future.
"Feedback from staff, our neighbours and students will be a key part of this process."
The public consultation will be open to all from 8.30am until 9.30pm, Monday to Friday, from November 2 – December 14, in the University's Palmer Building foyer on Whiteknights Campus. Plans will be available for the public, staff and students to view, and feedback forms can be submitted by post or email.
In addition, the exhibition will be staffed by members of the Development Team from 4.00pm until 8.00pm on Friday 2 November and 10.00am until 4.00pm on Saturday 3 November.
Whiteknights Campus is partly within Reading and partly within Wokingham boroughs and hence the Development Plan will be prepared in conjunction with both councils.
All interested parties will have the opportunity to make their views known from November 2, and through the planning process during the consideration of each individual planning application submitted during the life of the Development Plan.
Click here to see more information about the plan(PDF 314KB).
Ends
Lucy Ferguson
Media Relations Manager
0118 378 7388
Notes for editors:
The key aims of the development plan are
• To reduce the number of peripheral vehicle entry/exit points.
• To review the internal movement and parking strategy.
• To improve the connection between the heart of the campus and the Earley Gate area.
• To reinforce the centre of the campus as the hub of student facilities.
• To create a new entry management arrangement for visitors.
• To improve the public realm.
• To provide for a new Film Theatre & Television Building.
• To improve the collection of waste and recyclables.
• To create a stronger academic, research and business quarter at Earley Gate.
• To provide a new central catering operation.
• To replace a number of halls of residence.
• To protect environmental assets.
• To enhance sports and recreation provision.