Help Shape the Future of Francis Close Hall

University of Gloucestershire is inviting staff, students, alumni and the wider community to share their views on the future of Francis Close Hall (FCH) in Cheltenham. 

The Grade II* listed building, affectionately known as FCH, dates back to 1847 as the Cheltenham Training College, founded by the Rev. Francis Close. Today, it is home to a mix of humanities, natural and social sciences, and creative arts programmes, as well as the University’s archive and the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI). 

While offering an inspiring backdrop for academic study, the campus requires major investment. There is a maintenance backlog of around £14 million and significant modernisation is required to provide facilities up to the standards needed of a modern university campus – including important changes to ensure the building is fully accessible. 

To explore the best way forward, the University has appointed a specialist agent to consider a range of options, which could include the lease or sale of all or part of the site, as well as repurposing it. No decisions have been made, and the University is keen to ensure that the views of the local community play a central role in shaping the outcome. 

The University remains committed to its presence in Cheltenham, having recently invested many millions of pounds in Park campus. A key part of the work being done over the coming months will involve exploring how programmes can be accommodated at other sites in the town, should FCH not be part of the University in years to come. 

If changes are recommended as a result of this evaluation, they would not be made for some time. This means that current students and applicants expecting to complete their studies at FCH can be confident that teaching will continue at the campus for at least the next two academic years, through to the end of 2026/27.   

Dr Matthew Andrews, Chief Operating Officer at University of Gloucestershire, said: “This review is part of our wider commitment to creating modern, sustainable and welcoming campuses that bring people together, offer future flexibility and provide an outstanding experience for students and staff. 

“Francis Close Hall has played a proud role in our history, but like many older buildings it now faces major challenges. We want to work with our staff, students and the wider community to explore how we can balance preserving this much-loved site with meeting the needs of a modern university.” 

To help inform next steps, the University will be running a series of drop-in engagement events at Francis Close Hall, giving members of the community the chance to ask questions and share their ideas directly with the University team:  

• Wednesday 12 November, 5.30pm–7.30pm 
• Tuesday 9 December, 10am- 12noon 
• Wednesday 14 January, 1pm – 3pm 

Members of the public can also share their views online. There will be separate events for staff and students.

A decision about the future of Francis Close Hall is expected in 2026.