Bognor Campus, University of Chichester

Location
Bognor Regis
Client
University of Chichester
Completion
2018
Size
136 Beds
BREEAM Rating
'Excellent'

The Engineering and Digital Technology Park and associated student accommodation at the University of Chichester represents a £35m investment for the university and will double the size of their existing Bognor Campus. The first phase of student accommodation comprises 136 of the planned 254 new student rooms for this site.

The academic building and student accommodation was submitted as a combined planning application in early 2016. The project has received significant support from the local residents and businesses as it is recognised that the University’s investment will make a significant contribution to the local area and the regeneration of Bognor Regis. The planning decision was unanimously in favour with permission granted in July 2016.

The student accommodation was designed to complement the design of the academic building whilst respecting the existing listed buildings on the campus and its proximity to the conservation area. The accommodation provides self-catering accommodation in clusters of six to eight bedrooms with shared communal spaces. Site constraints proved challenging during the design process and have influenced the chosen design solution.

The student accommodation site is constrained by flood risk issues and existing below ground services (along with their associated easements) however a number of design options were investigated resulting in a proposal which creates a welcoming sense of arrival for both students and visitors.

The project includes a new energy centre with a gas powered combined heat and power plant (CHP) serving both the academic building and both phases of the student accommodation. The project is on target to achieve a BREEAM rating of “excellent”.