Quad of the campus.
=== Campus Development ===
In 2016, the local council approved the first phase of the university's new Campus development plan. Phase one included a £22 million investment in a new hall of residence, teaching block, social spaces and coffee bar. The accommodation blocks are designed as a ribbon of buildings that respond to the natural sweep of the eastern boundary. The new teaching block includes a new lecture theatre, seminar rooms and atrium.
The total development, costing £70m, was the subject of an argument between local councillors. Fiona Williams (Lab) criticised the generic nature of the building designs. She stated 'we seem to be having a lot of off-the-shelf design in the city. We need a little more imagination'. Her rival, Douglas Osborn (Con) defended the designs claiming 'the site has character...any extras would end up being paid for by the young people through the fees'. One council official claimed the designs were 'crisp and modern' and in keeping with surrounding buildings.
In …
