Submitted by Biky Wan on Thu, 05/04/2018 - 09:36
The University of Cambridge has gained planning approval (subject to legal agreement) from the local authority for a new shared facilities hub, which will be open to the community and enhance the vibrancy of the West Cambridge site.
Accessible to all
The shared facilities hub is a new model for the delivery of amenities and facilities for the University. This unique building will be the first non-departmental facility at West Cambridge and will provide amenities for site users and the community beyond. The aim is to help improve staff well-being as well as providing an environment to encourage collaboration between departments and industry partners whilst making more efficient use of resources.
The building, designed by Jestico and Whiles, has been designed to encourage social interaction and extend vitality on the site beyond the traditional working day. The design is outward facing linking the internal catering spaces with the new open spaces adjacent.
Chris Young, Chair of the Project Board for the Shared Facilities Hub for the University of Cambridge, said: “The University is planning for the next generation of scientists and engineers through the development of the West Cambridge site. The ambition is to create spaces that nurture collaboration between and beyond academics and researchers, which the new shared facilities hub will bring, and to foster a greater sense of place.”
The range facilities proposed are based around the themes of nourish, study and collaboration. A shop and café are located on the ground floor to attract passers-by and provide a welcoming environment. The first floor includes provision for teaching spaces, library offices and low intensity study, while the second floor has space for high intensity study and meeting areas for collaboration.
The shared facilities hub will be located in a prominent location directly overlooking both JJ Thomson Avenue and the new JJ Thomson Gardens which will be a newly landscaped outdoor amenity space to benefit all site users. The building lies to the south of the planned new Cavendish III building for the Department of Physics which received planning permission in February 2018.
Construction of the Shared Facilities Hub will commence in 2019 with a planned completion date of early 2021.