City Campus delivers £44 million in social value for Gloucester

A new report has found that University of Gloucestershire’s landmark City Campus has generated a total social value of £44 million for the local community — creating jobs, supporting local businesses and driving sustainability throughout the build process.

These latest figures show the development – delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction – has exceeded every major social value target set, including delivering job opportunities for the unemployed (1,700% completion against target) and creating apprentice weeks (1,115% completion against target). In total, the project has supported over 28,800 employment, skills and training weeks.

The report also found that for every £1 spent, a further 71p has been re-spent within the local economy, with a focus on supporting SMEs and local suppliers. In terms of environmental sustainability, 97% of waste was diverted from landfill.

Over the life of the project, 128 volunteering hours as well as donations of money and materials have supported a wide range of local causes, including The Family Haven, Gloucester City Mission, St Mary’s Hospice and the Billy Chip partnership supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The 20,000m² development opened this summer and is now home to the University’s Education, Psychology and Social Work programmes. In addition, public facilities within the building include a new public library delivered with Gloucestershire County Council, and an Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre developed with the NHS Integrated Care Board.

Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, Vice-Chancellor of University of Gloucestershire, said: “As well as providing our students with an outstanding learning experience, it is clear that City Campus is delivering long-term social and economic benefits for local people.

“We’re delighted that the project is already making such a difference — from creating jobs and developing skills, to strengthening supply chains. This is exactly what we mean when we talk about being the connected university — working together with our local communities to drive growth and opportunity.”

Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said:  “I’m incredibly proud of the team and what’s been achieved at University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus – delivering over £44 million in social value is a testament to what can be accomplished when you put the community at the heart of a project. 

“What really stands out is how the team has exceeded every target we set ourselves, whether that’s apprenticeship opportunities, charitable donations, or working with local SMEs. It’s proof that construction can be a real force for good in communities when we all work together.” 

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “City Campus is a real investment in Gloucester’s future, and we’re proud to have opened Gloucester Library in its fantastic new home there. The campus has already delivered £44 million in social value, supporting jobs, skills and local businesses, and we’re proud that the library is part of this success. Its move there means better access for everyone, with modern spaces, improved technology and a welcoming environment for all ages.”

Tracey Cox, Director of People, Culture and Engagement at NHS Gloucestershire, said: “The new Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre at City Campus will help to push the boundaries in developing new approaches as well as research to supporting people and communities to keep healthy and well. It will also be a huge boost to the work already being done to strengthen the health and care workforce in Gloucestershire through excellent learning and training opportunities. We are confident that the campus will inspire, motivate and enhance the lives of everyone who uses it.”