Press Releases

University halls service hub application – University of Reading

Release Date : 04 March 2009

The University of Reading has submitted a planning application for a new hub building to service the proposed new halls of residence on the north side of the Whiteknights campus.

The new hub is part of the University's plans to enhance the student experience and to consolidate the accommodation it provides for students on the Whiteknights campus. The proposals include two new single-storey buildings which will be constructed adjacent to Windsor Hall. One building will be a catering outlet with a variety of food offers and the other will house a laundrette, social space and cycle storage. The ground floor of Windsor Hall will also be completely refurbished to accommodate offices, storage and meeting rooms.

Details on the proposals for the hub building were included in the exhibition on the University's plans to redevelop a number of its halls of residence in July 2008.

Planning permission has already been granted for the two new halls of residence (Mackinder and Stenton), which will replace existing student accommodation in that area of the campus. Work is due to start on the halls this spring. All three new buildings feature in the Whiteknights Campus Development Plan 2008-2018, which was the subject of a major consultation in autumn 2007.

Tony Downes, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "We do not underestimate the impact the residential facilities have upon new students choosing their preferred University, and are therefore aiming to provide innovative and modern facilities in a beautiful setting, helping to distinguish our University from many of its competitors."

ENDS

Further information from Alex Brannen, Media Relations Manager, on 0118 378 7388.