The University of Leicester will officially unveil the city’s newest multi-million pound neighbourhood next week.
A special event to mark the opening of the University’s £150m Freemen’s development, located in Welford Road, will take place on Monday 24 October.
The landmark regeneration project has seen derelict halls of residence and an open air car park transformed into a high-tech centre for teaching, working and living.
At its heart is the four-storey Sir Bob Burgess Building, named after the University’s former late Vice-Chancellor, which comprises two large lecture theatres, flexible teaching spaces and a state of the art space for staff to work, meet and relax.
The building is a fitting tribute to Sir Bob, who presided over one of the University’s most successful periods between 1999 and 2014.
The site also includes accommodation for 1,200 students, a social hub including a food outlet and bar and a 555-space multi-storey car park. The project has also seen the sensitive refurbishment and extension of the Grade II-listed Freemen’s Cottages as the centrepiece of the scheme.
The new buildings are set within an impressive landscaping scheme of tree-lined walking routes, wildflower planting and gardens, with two generous public spaces providing a focal point.
Kerry Law, deputy vice-chancellor (Professional Services), said: “Freemen’s is the realisation of years of careful planning to deliver the very highest quality environment for our students to live and learn in.
“We have been delighted with the positive reaction of both students and staff as they settle in to their new home, which extends our vibrant city campus.
“Freemen’s doesn’t only deliver first-class facilities for students and colleagues, but also provides benefits for the public, including pleasant open spaces and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The regeneration of a tired site into a landmark new neighbourhood is something the University and city can be very proud of, as the University embarks on its second century.”
Freemen’s is powered by sustainable technologies, with the expectation more than 80,000 kWh of solar power will be generated each year.
Freemen’s was delivered by the University, equity partner and constructor EQUANS and funding partner Equitix.
The development was carried out in tandem with Leicester City Council’s work to create a much-needed link road connecting the east and west of the city, which includes sustainable transport improvements to junctions, crossings and infrastructure for walking and cycling. Contractor EQUANS was responsible for the highways upgrades around the Freemen’s Common site, in Welford Road and Putney Road.
