Graze, a modern learning and social space with impressive green credentials, has opened to students at Hartpury University and Hartpury College at the start of a new academic year. The two-storey 2,347 square metre building reached its eagerly awaited completion at the beginning of September.
The sustainable multi-use facility offers students a wide variety of nutritious food choices through a range of catering outlets. The elegant building also houses a comfortable seating area making it the ideal place to meet and catch up with friends, colleagues, and lecturers, or is perfect for a little extra study time.
To the first floor, flexible classrooms with partition walls create a dynamic learning and conference experience perfect for socialising, teaching, and industry events.
The state-of-the-art building development was led by Vitruvius Management Services, as project lead construction consultant, designed by architects Roberts Limbrick and constructed by main building contractor Barnwood. An all-local Gloucester team.
Sustainability is at the heart of the overall design that comprises an elegant, curved glass frontage. Stunning views across the sports fields and rural campus provide an inspirational learning setting. The building incorporates PV electric panels, high levels of insulation as well as natural ventilation and light.
Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO at Hartpury, said: “This stunning building will inevitably become an integral part of student life at Hartpury given its hugely dynamic range of functions. From the catering facilities right through to the impressive flexible teaching and conference spaces, Graze will be a lively hub for students, staff and visitors to gather, socialise, dine, learn and network.
“As a specialist land-based university and college, sustainability and ensuring a positive future for people, animals, and the planet is at the core of our values.
Several construction projects are currently in the works including the build of a new £12.75m University Learning Hub (launching in 2023) that will be home to formal and informal study spaces, the library, social spaces, a café, and other student-focused services and facilities. Green roofing and landscaping will ensure the building helps local biodiversity and respects the environment. A new car park is also being developed that will aid traffic management throughout the campus and add electric vehicle charging points.
Hartpury continues to invest in its world-class facilities with the goal of creating a learning environment that mirrors the land-based and sports-related industries it serves. This was recognised at the 2022 WhatUni Student Choice Awards in which Hartpury was ranked 3rd in the UK by students for facilities.
During the last academic year, a new £730,000 Equine and Animal Assisted Activity Area was unveiled that helped with Hartpury’s hosting of the 2022 FEI Dressage and Eventing European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in July.
