The University of Leicester has opened its regenerated campus student village with new lecture theatres, student accommodation, a social hub and a car park. Known as the Freemen’s development, this series of new buildings has cost the university a reported £150m, an investment in both students and staff, as well as the future of the university.
The university recently celebrated its centenary, and the new developments will help solidify its standing within the city of Leicester, and within the larger ranks of universities in the UK.
Centred around the Grade-II listed Freemen’s Cottages, which have undergone refurbishment, the development includes tree-lined footpaths, gardens and wildflowers as part of its landscaping. The development features the four-story Sir Bob Burgess building, named after the university’s late former Vice-Chancellor. This building includes two lecture theatres, flexible learning spaces, and staff spaces for work, meetings, and relaxation. The student halls portion of the development will accommodate 1200 students. In addition, both indoor and outdoor public spaces will provide a backbone for socialising and student life. Finally, to accommodate the needs of student and staff, a multistory open air car park is included.
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Revamped Leicester campus for students
These amenities have replaced a previous car park and old student housing, in an area that was described as tired prior to the renovations.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Professional Service, Kerry Law, said, ‘Freemen’s is the realisation of years of careful planning to deliver the very highest quality environment for our students to live and learn in.
“We have been delighted with the positive reaction of both students and staff as they settle into their new home, which extends our vibrant city campus.
“Freemen’s doesn’t only deliver first-class facilities for students and colleagues, but also provides benefits for the public, including pleasant open spaces and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The regeneration of a tired site into a landmark new neighbourhood is something the University and city can be very proud of, as the University embarks on its second century.”
The development also serves a second purpose, which is to help facilitate Leicester City Council’s plans to connect the east and west sectors of the city via a main road. Walking and cycling infrastructure will help towards sustainable transport in the city.
An event to mark the opening of the development took place on 24 October. The University of Leicester’s population of staff and 14,635 students will now be able to explore and utilise the new facilities.
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