University releases first CGIs and fly-through video of new City Campus in Gloucester

University of Gloucestershire has today unveiled the initial designs for its new City Campus in Gloucester.

Having submitted its planning application for phase one of the project to Gloucester City Council, the University has now released Computer Generated Images (CGIs) of the exterior of the new campus facing King’s Square, as well as a fly-through video of the exteriors.  

These have been developed by ADP Architecture, and while subject to change as the project moves forward, the visuals provide an early insight into the University’s plans for the look and feel of the former Debenhams store.

With its original parts dating from 1928 to 1931, the building is located within the Gloucester City Conservation Area and all four external elevations will engage positively with their respective street scenes, including King’s Square – the large public space undergoing extensive refurbishment by the City Council.

Vice-Chancellor Stephen Marston said: “We’re retaining and renovating the existing façade and will enhance the character of the building by adding sympathetic modern interventions, which will add the ‘wow’ factor externally and internally.

“We know how important this building is to people in the city, holding a wealth of memories for them, and we’re keen not only to retain many of the art deco features, but to make more of them.

“It remains early in the design process, but we’ve been busy with engagement sessions for staff and students as its vital that their views shape our new facilities, from the technology and equipment we select to the look and feel of our teaching and social spaces. Sustainability and flexibility of use will be key, as will creating spaces that facilitate collaboration and boost wellbeing.

“We’re delighted to be able to share the early visuals for the exterior of the building with our wider community and look forward to continuing our public engagement as the project progresses.”

The University has appointed the Morgan Sindall Group as the construction contractor for the City Campus project, and they will work alongside the multi-disciplined design team led by ADP Architecture to bring the University’s vision for the new campus to life.

The City Campus will be a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships; playing a vital role in both the regeneration of the city centre and supporting the University’s ambitious plans for growth.

It will provide facilities to train Nursing and Education professionals, with the first staff and students – mainly from the School of Health and Social Care – set to move in for September 2023. You can read the latest project news on the University’s City Campus webpage.

Natalia Lopez, Associate Director at ADP, said: “ADP is delighted to be involved in such a significant project for the University of Gloucestershire that sees the historic, former Debenham’s building in the heart of Gloucester city centre, refurbished and revitalised to provide a connected, world-class new home with a focus on becoming a place for the community, engagement and education.”

You can access the full detail of the City Campus planning application on the City Council’s website here. Comments about the planning application should be e-mailed to development.control@gloucester.gov.uk