Plans for development at the University of Huddersfield have emerged with plans for sculpture gardens, yoga “Zen” areas, and events space.
Last year, we reported that three buildings at the University of Huddersfield – The Edith Key, Researcher Hub and George Buckley Lecture Theatre at the Queensgate Campus – were to be demolished. One of them contained RAAC [Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete] concrete in the roof panels.
At the time, the University said that the properties were no longer in use and surplus to its requirements.
Now, plans for what will go in the place of the Edith Key and George Buckley Lecture Theatre have been revealed and are awaiting a decision from Kirklees Council. Here a ‘seamless connection’ between Student Central and the Barbara Hepworth building would be created, enhancing accessibility on the campus.
Image: University of Huddersfield.
Potential features of this part of campus include performance event spaces, railway-themed sculpture gardens, growing facilities, yoga “Zen” areas, and diverse seating with low-maintenance planting.
The area beneath the cantilevered overhang of the Barbara Hepworth Building will also be getting a facelift if the plans get the go-ahead, with the proposed design features focusing on enhancing an essential circulation route. Construction is currently underway at the Barbara Hepworth to install new stairs connecting the front and back of the building.
The landscaping works that are proposed aim to address issues caused by the overhang, such as limited sunlight and rainwater, through “durable, aesthetic solutions that enliven the south facing but shaded slope”.
A supporting document on behalf of the University says: “The proposals include both hard and soft landscape enhancements to two sites located within the main Queensgate Campus of the University. The proposals seek to enhance an area previously occupied by university buildings (the Edith Key site) and also an area in need of refreshed landscaping adjacent to the Barbara Hepworth building.
“The enhancements will bring visual and physical benefits to both sites and add important new areas of landscape realm within the main university campus to be utilised by students, staff and visitors to the university. Such landscaping realm improvements are supported by local plan objectives in relation to the enhancement of university activities.”
A target date for a decision to be made on the plans has been set for 10 September.
