£45 million University of Wolverhampton campus set to open on Monday with ceremony
A £45 million university campus for construction excellence situated on the site of a former Wolverhampton brewery will be formally opened next week.
The University of Wolverhampton's School of Architecture and Built Environment will open on Monday, with a special ceremony taking place.
The new building, designed by Birmingham-based Associated Architects, formrs part of the university's £120 million regeneration of the Springfield site.
A virtual celebration will be live-streamed from 11am, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony by the city's mayor – and university graduate – Councillor Claire Darke.
Professor Mohammed Arif, head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment, said: "This is the dawn of a new era in construction education. The completion of the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Springfield Campus is the University’s flagship project, which has taken several years to come to life.
Regeneration
"Instrumental to Wolverhampton’s broader regeneration plans, it acts as an exemplar of the regeneration of a brownfield site. As a Construction Centre for Excellence, it also addresses the need to train and up-skill young people to help limit the shortage of individuals entering into the construction industry.
"We are looking forward to celebrating this achievement with key industry leaders, our partners and stakeholders who have supported and sponsored the project, and our students and graduates. Everyone is welcome to join us online to witness the milestone celebration."
The event will include a virtual tour of the new building as well as an opportunity to hear from graduates and students. Former construction and industry professionals, including honorary graduate and Cast CEO Mark Farmer and Louise Brooke Smith, honorary graduate and former Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) President will also take part.
Minister of State for Universities Michelle Donelan MP, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and honorary graduate and presenter George Clarke will be sending messages of support.
Anyone interested in joining the celebrations online can watch the live stream on YouTube: University of Wolverhampton Springfield Campus Official Opening. Visit youtube.com/user/uniwolverhampton
