Work begins on UCLan’s Adelphi Square

The University of Central Lancashire has started on site with the first phase of its £200m campus masterplan project in Preston.

The first major project of the ten-year vision is the demolition of the 1960s Fylde Building, which is being pulled down to make way for a multi-million pound student support facility, forming part of a new gateway to the University.

The scheme will include a remodelled Adelphi roundabout with the construction of a public square, drawing together the university with the city. According to the university, the long-term vision is to spark a major focus on regeneration and business investment in the University quarter with wider benefits for Preston.

Bradley Demolition is carrying out the deconstruction of the Fylde Building, with the majority of the materials being recycled.

BDP is the architect for the scheme.

The next phase of the project is the construction of a £30m Engineering Innovation Centre which is due to begin in early 2016.

Professor Mike Thomas, interim vice-chancellor at UCLan, said: “I’m really excited to see the beginning of the future of the University. The links between ourselves, the city and the region are really coming together. Over the next few years we’re going to see regeneration which builds on us being a part of the city and it’s a testament to the staff and their dedication that we can have the ambition, and support of the board, to move forward with it.”