8 July 2002
Aston's Estates Development Plans Unveiled
ASTON University today revealed its most ambitious development plans for the Aston Triangle since the 1970s which, for the first time, encompass the adjacent Aston Science Park.
The Estates Strategy Masterplan is a vision for the future, for implementation over the next 10-15 years. Two major projects have already been agreed: an �8 million building for Aston's Academy of Life Sciences, to open in 2004, and a �20m extension to Aston Business School's Nelson Building, to open in 2005.
Other proposals in the Estates Strategy Masterplan, include:
• remodelling of the University's Main Building which houses most of Aston's academic activities
• the construction of 1450 new residential places that will replace the present 1970s stock
• replacing its two existing sports venues with a brand new, state-of-the-art Sport Centre as well as new floodlit, synthetic pitches
• developing the land along Jennens Road, directly adjacent to Eastside, where Matthew Boulton College is planning to relocate as part of the vision for the new Learning Quarter
• the pedestrianisation of Aston Street, which currently allows traffic to cut through the heart of the campus
• the development of new car parking arrangements and access roads to the campus, and managing the overall traffic flow
• the integration of the University and Science Park within one campus and planning its development as one
The University's Estates Masterplan fits in with the City's plans for the development of Eastside and the surrounding area, including:
• Metro serving Jennens Road
• buses serving Jennens Road, Dartmouth Middleway, Corporation Street and James Watt Queensway
• Pedestrian routes connecting Aston Triangle to the Eastside and the City Centre
• on site pedestrian boulevards
• integrated cycle routes
The University is keen to point out that none of its impressive plans will be to the detriment of its much valued 'Green Campus Concept' which will be retained as part of the overall development.
In the course of the review exercise, the University and Science Park have worked closely with the City and the Eastside planners. A major factor in this exercise has been the integration of the 60 acre Aston Triangle estate with Eastside.
Particular consideration was given to the traffic management, car parking, public transport arrangements as well as the myriad environmental considerations; the latter including:
• Lakeside Green - enhanced landscaping around the University's lake
• James Watt Crescent - a landscaped crescent of student residences leading to the James Watt Gateway
• Education Plaza - landscape linking the academic buildings
• Gosta Green University Village Square - Upgraded landscape connecting the Main Building, the Nelson Building, the Students' Guild and Aston Science Park
David Packham, Aston University Secretary-Registrar, said: 'our new masterplan for the Aston Triangle is an ambitious blueprint for the physical development of the University and the Science Park. It will make a major contribution to the realisation of the Eastside Learning Quarter. Construction work on the first new capital projects will begin in the next academic year.'
- Ends
For further information please call 0121 204 4549 or email: b.a.l.coombes@aston.ac.uk
Notes for editors
Aston's plans for the refurbishment of facilities within its Main Building will restore the vision that its original architects had for it 50 years ago. These will include the electronic and technological infrastructure appropriate to the University's future teaching and research requirements.
Aston's Estates Strategy was undertaken against the background of the University's strategic objective to achieve a further 20%+ growth in student numbers over the next five years.
The major extension to the Nelson Building will provide new MBA and management development programme facilities befitting a world class business school whose ranking in the recent Times Good University Guide soared from 34th- to 2nd place, just behind the London School of Economics.
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