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Partnership celebrated as joint university campus takes shape in East London

Tuesday 25 September 2012

University Square topping out ceremony

The benefits of working together were championed at a ceremony marking the completion of the first stage in the construction of the new £33m Birkbeck-University of East London building in Stratford.

The leaders of both universities spoke about the advantages of partnership, and study opportunities to be offered at the campus, during the 'topping out' event on Monday. Staff and governors also joined the visit to celebrate the completion of the main structure of the five-storey building, to be called University Square, Stratford.

The campus in Stratford’s Cultural Quarter will open next autumn and will be able to cater for a total of 3,400 students from Birkbeck and UEL. It will offer flexible part-time, full-time, day and evening study opportunities at both undergraduate and postgraduate level for people living and working in East London. Many courses will be on offer, in a diverse range of fields, including Law, Business and the creative industries.

Professor Patrick McGhee, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, spoke about providing education to disadvantaged communities living in East London, and of “an unbeatable partnership” between UEL and Birkbeck. He said: “I am delighted to be here in Stratford. We really are at the centre of regeneration in terms of transport, sport and commerce. There is a strong sense of community regeneration here."

Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, added: "When we first thought about coming to East London in 2005 it was before the Olympics had been awarded to London and we will ensure that the people of East London gain the skills to benefit fully from the Olympic legacy.”

To mark the occasion, Professors McGhee and Latchman received, and signed, a visitors’ book from Andy Stoney, Regional Director for building firm Volker Fitzpatrick. Stoney added: “The building is starting to take shape now. It is certainly a landmark in the area.”

Designed by Make architects, the 8,600 square metres of facilities at University Square Stratford will include a 300-seat lecture theatre, learning centre, student support centre, seminar rooms, and administrative offices, all surrounding a light-filled atrium.

Both universities acknowledged gratitude for the ongoing support provided by the London borough of Newham and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

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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