University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Masterplan
The Masterplan vision is to create an attractive, inviting, world-class campus in line with UCLan's status as one of the UK's largest universities.
The UCLan Masterplan is an ambitious £200 million transformation plan, which aims to create a unified, sustainable and welcoming campus that will enhance the experience for all those visiting the University.
A core principle of the Masterplan is to integrate the university's campus seamlessly with the rest of the city, benefitting current and future generations of students, staff, visitors and the wider Preston community.
Developing a skilled workforce, which meets local, national and international needs, is also a central pillar to the UCLan's development plans, which will help to create jobs, kick-start regeneration and attract inward investment into the City of Preston.
Project objectives
Over the last few years UCLan has transformed the campus through four major projects:
Social Spaces
Social Spaces were the first new facilities to be completed on the campus as part of the Masterplan delivery. Situated in the heart of campus, the Social Spaces provide areas for students and staff to work, socialise, relax.
In these spaces key design features include glass roofs and an indoor hidden gardens, as well as movable furniture so that staff and students can reconfigure the space to suit their needs.
These bright spacious comfortable areas have already begun to transform the campus experience offering staff, students and visitors. alike, the opportunity to take time away from their busy schedules and enjoy these warm and friendly spaces, truly making UCLan their own.
Oasis: Faith and Spirituality Centre
In 2018, UCLan opened a bespoke, purpose-built multi-faith centre, which was designed in consultation with staff, students and the Students' Union to ensure the optimum utilisation of the space.
The Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre includes a dedicated Muslim prayer room, library, a chapel and a dedicated room for quiet reflection. There is also space for counselling, meetings and social gatherings, including a relaxing roof garden.
Engineering Innovation Centre
The opening of the £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) was a major milestone in the completion of the Campus Masterplan.
The aim of the project was to create an advanced, state-of-the-art teaching and research facility which engages directly with industry and provides students with real-world experience on live projects.
A signature project within Lancashire's Strategic Economic Plan (PDF) [1MB] , the £35m EIC is the largest single investment in Lancashire's educational infrastructure to date, establishing UCLan as one of the UK's leading universities for engineering innovation.
It is anticipated that the centre will produce an increase of hundreds of locally trained graduates per year in areas such as aerospace, mechanical and oil engineering.
Student Centre and New Square
At the heart of the Masterplan scheme, completed in summer 2021, the new Student Centre and public square brings together the university with the city to create a much-needed gateway into campus to welcome students, staff and local communities into the University.
Accommodating various student services at the University, the building contains offices, meeting rooms, workstations and event venues including a roof top garden. This investment will help staff to continue the outstanding support they provide for students and welcome local communities into the University.
The public square extends in front of the building, designed for hosting large events including the Lancashire Science Festival, pop up cinemas, farmers markets and more. This square does not just belong to the University, but to the local community too. Lancashire's societies, clubs and communities are welcome to use the square to host their own events, creating a connectivity between the University and its surroundings.
Outcomes
- Attract and retain new talent within the city
- Create a cutting-edge environment that showcases UCLan's key principles of openness, transparency and accessibility
- Develop a skilled workforce which meets local, national and international needs
Investment and development opportunities
If you are an investor or developer interested in finding out more about current investment and development opportunities associated with UCLan's Masterplan please contact Invest@preston.gov.uk
UCLan's new Engineering Innovation Centre promotion video
UCLan's Student Centre construction video
Map address for University of Central Lancashire
University of Central Lancashire, Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 2HE.