News
University Quays spring up
People will no doubt have noticed that the skyline around
the Hythe area has changed dramatically in recent months. Not only do
cranes dominate, but the new University Quays student accommodation has
also sprung up rapidly.
Anyone visiting the new B&Q store at the Hythe will have witnessed
construction operations and progress of the project at close quarters, but
for those of you who are less 'DIY minded' here is a brief summary of
progress to date.
The main ground works are now nearing completion while the underground
and incoming services are well underway, as is the construction of roads
to and around the site.
University Quays - under construction
Block 1, the largest building at six storeys in part, is structurally
complete up to level three, with construction of level four now underway.
Blocks two and three, both four storeys high, are also structurally
complete. Both currently have temporary roof membranes in place and the
installation of windows to both blocks is nearing completion. Internal
work, such as plastering, plumbing, heating and electrical installations,
also continues apace. The external finishing of both blocks has commenced
with brickwork and sample panels of render in place as well as the
framework and trial sample for the feature 'flying' roof details over the
principal entrances.
Block four, also four storeys, is structurally complete while the four-storey
block five is constructed up to level three. Block seven, due to stand at
three storeys, is nearing structural completion, while the substructure of
blocks six and eight, both three storeys, is complete and the construction
of the superstructure is due to start imminently.
The contractors working on the site are on course to complete the
project towards the end of August with the new buildings being ready for
occupation some time in September as planned.
The University has been in discussion with Colchester Borough Council
and a local historical history society to choose suitable names for the
new buildings. All the names chosen represent eminent companies that used
to be established in and around the Hythe area. Sainty Quay, made up of
blocks one, two and three, will contain 515 single student bedrooms, ten
double student bedrooms and one Dean's flat. Hawkins Quay, formed by
blocks four and five, will contain 80 single student bedrooms. Matthews
Quay, made up of blocks six, seven and eight, will house 158 single
student bedrooms and three Tutors' flats.
Shaping Colchester's future
A partnership of key figures in the public sector,
business and the arts has set out its vision for Colchester's future.
The vision includes a new hospital, supported by a University of Essex
medical school, a new visual arts centre, incorporating the University's
world class collection of Latin American art, and the University's
Research Park.
It also includes a modernised transport system, new sports facilities,
a new garrison and top quality regional conference facilities.
The Colchester Partnership is made up of 12 executive-level
representatives of organisations such as the borough and county council,
the NHS, the police, and the Chamber of Commerce, and includes University
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivor Crewe.
It aims to involve the Colchester community in developing plans for the
borough's future, and ensuring they are implemented.
Education plays a key role in the vision, as does the development of
business, leisure, and tourism. The University's Research Park is seen as
the key to establishing high-tech businesses and providing high-level
employment opportunities.
The planned rail station supporting the University and Research Park is
vital to developing the borough's transport system.
The University's developing programme of health and medical-related
education, including establishing the Department of Health and Human
Sciences, and the Essex Biomedical Science Institute, are also central to
the vision.
These have been achieved as a result of the University's evolving
partnership with the NHS. With the Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust
seeking to develop a new teaching hospital, the University aims to be in a
position to establish a medical school in Colchester if the opportunity
arises.
The Partnership aims to make Colchester the region's cultural capital.
The University's unique collection of Latin American art, and the
expertise of its Department of Art History, make it a major player in the
Partnership's aim to establish a contemporary arts facility of
international repute.
Professor Crewe said: 'The Colchester Partnership has set out its
vision for the borough's future prosperity and quality of life, and the
University is delighted to be at the heart of many important
developments.'
Also in the printed January edition of Wyvern:
- Guide to a Green Planet
- E15 graduates make their mark
- A slice of success
