Projects - University Centre Hastings (UCH)
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We opened UCH in September 2003 to bring university education to Hastings and the Rother district for the first time in their history.
To create a home for UCH and provide the latest in education facilities, we refurbished the old BT building in Hastings' Havelock Road. In 2005, we greatly expanded the space and added a striking new atrium.
For more information, visit the UCH website at www.uch.ac.uk
A second phase for the University Centre as part of the Priory Quarter development has received planning approval. This involves refurbishing and extending the existing Post Office building in the town centre. The upper floors, which are currently empty, will be renovated and extended by replacing the poor quality 1960s rear extension. The Post Office will continue to operate from the ground floor, accessed from Cambridge Road. With a new entrance on Priory Square, the University Centre will be accomodated in the remaining building, with an extension to the rear.
See below for architect's drawings of how this might look.
Reasons For Development
University Centre Hastings's first premises in Havelock Road are now fully occupied. The new premises would provide space to meet demand for additional courses from a larger number of students.
Timings
- Planning application for 2nd phase at Post Office building: Summer 2009
- Planning application approved: December 2009
- Start of demolition to rear extension: February 2010
- Anticipated start of construction: 2010
- Anticipated length of construction: 18 months
Further Information
UCH is managed by the University of Brighton and offers courses from some of the best UK universities. It provides the opportunity for local people to study a broad range of subjects, most of them commercially focused to help students gain well-paid jobs and benefit the local economy. It also brings in students from outside the area.
UCH also provides professional courses to help working people further their careers and is a centre for research and development, linking with local industrial and engineering firms.
In 2006, the Broadcast Media Centre was opened within UCH and a Broadcast Media Foundation Degree started, based on suggestions from the local creative business community.
UCH's first students graduated in the summer of 2006.
This project is part financed by the EU.
Documents
UCH Phase 2 Information Day Feedback Report
Post Office Extension Demolition Information Sheet
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