Multimillion pound investment in teaching learning and student accommodation progresses
A plan to transform educational and accommodation facilities at the University of Leicester has been put forward.
Last year, the University announced proposals for the redevelopment of its facilities at Freemen’s Common and carried out an extensive public consultation programme with local stakeholders.
Now, the University and its development partners Equitix and Kier have submitted proposals to Leicester City Council for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Freemen’s Common site.
New images show how the proposed development will provide a striking new addition to Welford Road, one of the major gateways into the city.
The Freemen’s Common Student Village, located five minutes’ walk from the University’s central campus, will include a series of high quality residences for around 1,200 students, a new 550-space multi storey car park and the sensitive refurbishment and extension of the Grade II listed Freemen’s Cottages as the centrepiece of the scheme.
- Indicative View of the Freemen's Common Square.
Core to the overall strategy for Freemen’s Common is to breathe new life into this aging site and create new links through the area and into the city centre.
The new buildings will be set within an impressive landscaping scheme of tree lined walking routes, wildflower planting and gardens, with two generous public spaces providing a focal point to the design. Following discussions with local residents and community groups, extra attention has been paid to the new high-quality public walking routes through the site and improvements to the environment and crossings on Welford Road and Putney Road.
Subject to planning, construction is due to start in late summer 2018 with completion in autumn 2020.