University plans to accommodate 1,600 students on campus

The University of Exeter has unveiled proposals to develop new on-campus accommodation for students.

The University will shortly submit an outline planning application to Exeter City Council for new student residences at East Park, on its Streatham Campus, providing space for around 1,300 students.

Two further full planning applications will also be submitted for the redevelopment of the Moberly halls of residence and redevelopment of Spreytonway, both of which are also on the Streatham Campus.  Together, these two sites will provide space for around 300 students.

The plans, which strengthen the University’s commitment to reducing pressure on the city’s housing stock by accommodating more students on campus, would propose completing the new accommodation by September 2019.

In order to engage the local community in the proposals, the University will hold a two-day exhibition to help address any queries residents may have, and also gather feedback should any adaptions to the development plans be necessary.

There will also be a website for interested parties to view and provide feedback online, which will launch on Thursday 28 July 2016 and remain open until Thursday 11 August 2016.

Feedback will be included in the relevant application documents and be taken into account in the next stage of the design process.

Director of Estate Services, Hugh McCann said:  “We have identified sites for development at the University since the 1970s and our 2010 Masterplan further developed these plans.  The University continues to be a global success and attract students and staff from around the world, and we are keen to offer additional on-campus accommodation and see these three projects supporting our demand over the next five years, improving both the quality and range of student residences.”                

The University has already demonstrated its commitment to reducing pressure on the city’s housing stock in recent years, including building £130 million worth of new student accommodation on its Streatham Campus providing for 2,600 students.

The public exhibition takes place Thursday 28 and Friday 29 July, in Conference Rooms 1 and 2 of the XFI Building. It will run from 11.00-19:30 each day. All are welcome.