Redevelopment of the University's Whiteknights Campus begins – University of Reading
04 November 2008The first phase of the University of Reading's plans to redevelop a number of halls of residence begins this November with the demolition of Whiteknights Hall.
Based on the framework of the Whiteknights Development Plan 2008-18, the University plans to build a new hall on the site of the existing Whiteknights Hall as well as a second next to the current Childs Hall₁. A planning application for a flexible hub building for the two halls, to include student catering outlets, a laundrette, social spaces and offices is also scheduled for later this month.
The Whiteknights Development Plan 2008-2018 was the subject of a major consultation in autumn 2007. A separate exhibition on the University's plans to redevelop a number of its halls of residence took place in July this year.
The University has appointed Morgan Ashurst as the contractor for the project.
Ends
For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr/Alex Brannen 0118 378 7115/0118 378 7388
Notes to editors:
The Whiteknights Development Plan 2008-18 is designed to provide facilities appropriate to the university's world-class standing and international reputation. For more information please visit
www.reading.ac.uk/local
₁A planning application for the site of Whiteknights Hall was submitted to Reading Borough Council on 1 October 2008. A further application for a new building south of Childs Hall has also been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council and Reading Borough Council. A pre-application for the related catering and social hub and link road to Windsor Hall was submitted to Reading Borough Council on 29 September 2008 and will be followed by a full application in November.
Morgan Ashurst is a leading full-service construction business with more than 2,000 employees in the UK. Supported by a national network of local offices, the company works for private and public sector clients on projects from £50,000 to over £300 million. Morgan Ashurst's construction activities range from small works, repair and maintenance services to large-scale complex projects across the airports, commercial, defence, education, healthcare, industrial, leisure and retail sectors. It is part of top five UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall plc which operates through five specialist divisions of fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and urban regeneration.