Planning approval has been given for Grafton Architects’ first project in the United Kingdom, for Kingston University. The Royal Borough of Kingston’s Development Control Committee voted unanimously in favour of the £55m landmark scheme following strong support for the project, including backing from the local Conservation Area Advisory Committee. Kingston University’s Director of Estates Sean Woulfe said the building would transform the learning environment and enhance civic engagement.
“Local people and heritage groups have responded very warmly to this project,” he added. “The design reflects the University’s intention to engage with the public and open up learning opportunities for everyone. The colonnade draws people in and the lively landscaped terraces showcase the University’s learning activities to everyone passing by on this key gateway to the town centre.” Grafton Director Shelley McNamara said that she had been struck by the commitment of the University to creating a new learning landscape.
“There is clearly a collective vision at Kingston University for a refreshingly open and innovative learning environment as well as for how the architecture of the new building will house and represent this vision,” she said. Once completed, the proposals will provide three new public landscaped areas as well as 9,027 square metres of learning space including; a modern learning resources centre over several floors, a 300-seat multi-media auditorium, rehearsal and performance space for the University’s popular dance courses and a café and other informal learning spaces. Source by Grafton Architects.
Location: Kingston-upon-Thames, London
Archiects: Grafton Architects
Client: Kingston University
Images: Courtesy of Grafton Architects