Designed by British architectural firm Patel Taylor, the Student Centre will bring together a variety of student related facilities, such as accommodation, finance, registry and student support functions at one place. The centre will accommodate an integrated learning centre for group working, new IT facilities, media centre and a round-the-clock reading room.
The university will build an extension to the 1960’s-built Albert Sloman Library, which will house an archive and special collections book store, 24-hour postgraduate study area, study space and library shelving, and an expanded student book collection.
The design of the new development will be sympathetic to the campus infrastructure and the heritage parkland setting. The designer has conceived a flexible design for the new builds, which will resonate a sense of place and setting.
The project will entail an investment of £26 million ($42.2 million) and forms part of the University’s more than £200 million ($325 million) capital investment plan to improve facilities and enhance the student experience.
The University of Essex plans to begin construction in January 2013, with a completion date set for late 2014.
