University seeks approval for £23m expansion at Bognor campus

MAJOR plans to almost double the number of undergraduates in Bognor Regis have been submitted for approval.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Mar 2016, 07:43 BST
Updated 21st Mar 2016, 11:59 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

An architect's drawing of the proposed engineering park at the University of Chichester's Bognor Regis campusAn architect's drawing of the proposed engineering park at the University of Chichester's Bognor Regis campus
An architect's drawing of the proposed engineering park at the University of Chichester's Bognor Regis campus

The University of Chichester has sought detailed planning permission for the £22.8m growth of its campus in the town.

The university wants to create an engineering and digital technology park as well as student rooms on the site.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If approved, it is expected to see another 1,200 to 1,500 on the campus to take the total to 2,500 in two years.

Design is by Stride Treglown ArchitectsDesign is by Stride Treglown Architects
Design is by Stride Treglown Architects

Susan Leeson, the university’s planning agent, says in a report: “The proposal is to erect a landmark building up to five storeys high on the corner of Felpham Way and Upper Bognor Road, facing on to the roundabout. The maximum height is 25m.

“The new state-of-the-art building is designed to integrate facilities for different user groups and incorporates viewing balconies and glass partitions to promote transparency and stimulate interest from visiting groups to help break down the stereotyped ideas of engineering by showing just how exciting engineering can be.”

A total of 33 new degree courses will be offered. As well as engineering and science, the proposed project will also see the creation of a department of creative and digital technologies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This will ‘enable the development in digital film production and will expand into the broader field of applied creative and digital technologies that are essential to the growing digital economy’, says Ms Leeson.

Design is by Stride Treglown ArchitectsDesign is by Stride Treglown Architects
Design is by Stride Treglown Architects

The subjects to be studied include motion capture for film and gaming, digital media design and screen writing.

Ms Leeson states: “It is anticipated that the training of graduates ready for employment can develop collaborative working to equip mainly locally recruited graduates with bespoke skill sets to offer a unique competitive advantage to local small medium-sized enterprises.”

The courses will be expected by the university to create some 350 extra direct jobs by 2023.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The plans also include rooms for 289 students north of the technology park, which is planned for the Donkey Field to the east of the existing campus and opposite Butlin’s. A new access will be created off Felpham Way. An existing entrance on Mead Lane will be closed.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.bognor.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BognorRegisObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BogObserver

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Bognor Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:University of ChichesterBognorFacebookTwitter