Plans for new state-of-the-art student accommodation at UCA Farnham have been given the go-ahead by Waverley Borough Council.
The Council’s Joint Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission last week for 252 new en-suite bedrooms across five purpose-built student accommodation buildings, subject to the completion of a legal agreement.
The go-ahead comes following a period of public consultation earlier this year, in which more than 220 visitors attended UCA Farnham to review the proposals and offer feedback.
Professor Bashir Makhoul, Vice-Chancellor of UCA, said: “We are very pleased to have been given the go-ahead to further develop our student accommodation at UCA Farnham, which currently has a lower student-to-bed ratio than its peers.
“We have been part of the Farnham community for more than 150 years, during which time both the University and the town have undergone significant changes, including the growth of their strong creative reputations.”
UCA’s Farnham campus is a significant contributor to the local economy, spending around £1.7m a year with local businesses. Its students contribute an estimated £12m each year to the local area.
“Ensuring our facilities and student accommodation match the high quality education offered at the University plays an important role in enhancing the student experience and maintaining the University’s position as the UK’s top specialist arts university for the creative industries. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment on our proposals for the new student accommodation and for sharing their feedback with us,” Professor Makhoul added.
The new residences will consist of two three-storey buildings and three four-storey buildings, built on the site of Main Hall, which has now surpassed its useful life. As part of the development, UCA will be creating new and improved communal spaces across the campus and upgrading its car parking and cycling facilities.
Whilst providing modern accommodation, the design of the buildings are sympathetic to Farnham’s local character and the campus.
Work is expected to begin on the new accommodation buildings next year.
