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UEL and Birkbeck collaborate in new joint education building in Stratford

Friday 12 November 2010

UEL and Birkberk's proposed Stratford Campus

Planning permission has been granted to a unique, collaborative project between the University of East London and Birkbeck, University of London.  The proposed new education building will provide shared teaching facilities for both higher education institutions and their partners, which will include Newham Sixth Form College.

The Stratford Island University Centre (a working title for the building) will house a range of departments from each university and incorporate a range of highly-flexible teaching and administrative spaces, alongside dedicated spaces for subjects including Law, Performing Arts, Dance, Music and Information Technology.

Professor Patrick McGhee, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London said: "This joint vision between two of London's most progressive educational institutions shows that, despite challenging economic circumstances, we can still create a major new university hub herein east London, through collaboration; one which will meet the academic aspirations of local people, whatever those aspirations might be, through a variety of world-class educational facilities."

Professor David Latchman CBE, Master of Birkbeck, University of London, commented: “Our two universities have been working together since 2007, increasing the flexible, part-time study opportunities to the people of east London. This building will create an education centre which encourages access and progression into higher education for local people, supporting the economic regeneration of the area. The university centre will be for use by all members of the community, regardless of their prior educational attainments; it will offer them the opportunity to acquire skills that are needed for a rapidly changing local and regional economy.”

The proposed building is a much needed new presence on what is currently a dilapidated piece of urban realm in a high profile location and a key site in central Stratford, which London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and Newham Borough Council are keen to develop as part of a new cultural quarter for east London.The building will enable the universities to foster new links with the cultural organisations and communities already established in the area, such as the Theatre Royal, the Stratford Circus performing arts venue and the Picturehouse.

James Taylor, partner at Make, said: “The building will have a hugely positive effect on the area. The scheme is formed from a series of shifting blocks, reaching up to five storeys, which express the variety of spaces and activities inside. The building has a prominent public presence. Long runs of glazing at ground level and large windows above are incorporated to display the great mix of educational activities taking place inside.”

A number of social and environmentally sustainable measures are to be incorporated; the site will have a fully landscaped learning garden and proposals include green roofs and photovoltaic panels. Work on site is likely to commence in August 2011 with the building completed and operational for the start of the academic term in autumn 2013.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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