Sprawling over 150 hectares, the masterplan outlines development of 1,500 homes for University and College employees; 1,500 homes for sale; accommodation scheme for 2,000 students; 100,000 square metres of research facilities, consisting of up to 40,000 square metres for research institutes and private research facilities linked to the University; and a wide range of community facilities.
The homes will be built to high standards of design and sustainability. Houses and flats will be built to Sustainable Homes Level 5, equivalent to zero carbon. Non-residential buildings will be built to BREEAM Level Excellent, the equivalent sustainability level for other buildings.
Around one-third of the site will be used as an open public space for sports, informal recreation and ecological use. The University has also developed a water management system for the entire site.
Phase I of the development, which is subject to approval from the University’s Regent House will comprise around 530 homes for university staff, some 426 homes for sale, accommodation for 300 students and the local centre. The phase I plans will be submitted for approval in early 2013. Phase I is expected to start in early 2013 and be completed by mid-2015.
The University is currently seeking residential and commercial development partners for the different elements of Phase I. The University recently announced the results of an architectural competition to select practices for the design of the eight lots that make up most of the Phase I. The competition attracted entries from 158 national and international practices.
