Full Steam Ahead for Ipswich Campus

Dec 7 2006 12:00AM

University Campus Suffolk (UCS) is celebrating today after the announcement that planning permission has been granted (with some minor conditions that will be worked on) for the state-of-the-art building on the Ipswich Waterfront.

UCS is delighted with the work that the building development team, made up of Turner and Townsend, RMJM and Faber Maunsell, have put into the planning of the project. We could not have got to this stage without the hard work and dedication of this team. Willmott Dixon who will be working on the construction of the building will now be able to progress with their plans.

The building development team have been working closely with the Environment Agency, English Heritage, Suffolk County Council, and the Arts Council among others to develop the plans for the site. Without the input from these groups UCS would not have been able to offer the planning committee the particular small details that have helped them to use to make their decision.

Neil Jackson, Director of Estates and Facilities for UCS said:

“This is a significant step on the road to developing University Campus Suffolk. We are delighted that we will be able to start work on site early next year on this fantastic addition to the Ipswich Waterfront. “

Mr Jackson went onto say “UCS will continue to liaise and communicate with local community groups on the implementation of the waterfront building and future developments. We recognise the concerns of local residents and will continue to work positively with these neighbours to ensure our development is beneficial to everyone. Our capital development will not only benefit future students of UCS but will offer the local community flexible social space, innovative art projects and access to technologically advanced facilities. “

Notes to editors

  1. The combined organisations of Turner & Townsend, RMJM , Faber Maunsell and Willmott Dixon have an unrivalled track record in the Higher Education Sector and are currently working with University College London, Cambridge and Oxford Universities, University of Kent, South Bank University and University of Hertfordshire amongst others.
  2. The group has considerable experience with campus redevelopment schemes in Higher Education, reinforced by a strong cultural affinity with innovation and commitment to continuous improvement. The group also worked closely and successfully with both the parent institutions of UCS - the University of Essex and the University of East Anglia.
  3. University Campus Suffolk is a partnership between the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex, working with Lowestoft College, Otley College, Great Yarmouth College, Suffolk College and West Suffolk College. The development of the project is also supported by Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and the East of England Development Agency.
  4. There will an investment of around £150 million in University Campus Suffolk over the next ten years, including a phase one investment of £89 million by 2009. The Suffolk economy is expected to benefit from an extra £50million each year with a university campus in the county.
  5. The first students are expected to enrol at UCS in September 2007.