Plans to establish the University Centre Newbury (UCN) took a significant step forward with the recent granting of planning permission for the multi-million pound new development. The Centre will provide degrees and other higher level qualifications in the key sectors of digital technology, business & finance, engineering, health & social care and construction.
The first students of the University Centre will begin their studies in dedicated facilities within the College building in September 2020, before moving into the iconic new building once it is completed. Images of the new building at the front of the College campus show how the UCN will work as a key part of the learning campus for Newbury and West Berkshire. The original timescales for the completion of the building have been extended to focus on the development of the state-of-the-art digital facilities and achieve the demanding zero-carbon standard; constructing the first public building in West Berkshire to achieve this new level in sustainability.
College Principal, Iain Wolloff said:
We are delighted at the fantastic progress with establishing the Centre and look forward to welcoming the first UCN students in September 2020 to study in the dedicated space within the existing College facilities, before moving into the exciting new building. We have been amazed at the enormous support for the Centre from employers and organisations throughout the community and will launch a range of new degrees and other HE courses as planned'.
Geoff Knappett, Chair of Corporation, said:
The enthusiasm for the University Centre was been overwhelming and I am thrilled at both the approval of the fantastic new building and the plans for the University Centre project to get underway in specialist accommodation. I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard in the College, in our University partners and across West Berkshire, to turn the long-held dream of a University Centre into a reality'.
You can listen to the Principal talking about UCN on BBC Radio Berkshire here or find out more about higher-level study options, visit our higher education page