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Public to decide on new UCLan campus scheme

One of the seven shortlisted designs for the University of Central Lancashire campus.

Local people in Preston are being asked to help the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) select an architectural practice to design a new £50m campus gateway in the heart of Preston from a seven-strong shortlist.

The feedback generated from respondents will help inform the decision on how a new civic square and student support centre, part of UCLan's £200m masterplan, could look. The proposed student support centre and civic square would be the same size as London's Trafalgar Square.

Earlier this year, RIBA ran an international competition encouraging architectural practices to submit designs that would deliver an excellent student experience and create a world-class campus.

In June 2016, UCLan revealed that a shortlist of seven had been chosen after 41 entries were received from architectural practices across the UK and Europe. The shortlist features Associated Architects, Austin Smith: Lord, Fielden Clegg Bradley, Hawkins\Brown, Nicholas Hare Architects, Sheppard Robson and Stanton Williams.

Members of the public are now being encouraged to have their say on the proposals before final judging takes place later this month.

Professor Mike Thomas, vice-chancellor of UCLan, said: “A core principle of our masterplan is to integrate seamlessly with the rest of the city for the benefit of all, and a series of workshops have already taken place with varying user groups to help shape our plans.

"The standard of the shortlisted entries is very high and we're now looking to members of the public to ensure these designs reflect what's important to them."

The designs can be viewed online via the RIBA Competitions website where members of the public can share their views at http://www.ribacompetitions.com/uclan/ 

David Taylor, chairman of the university board, said: "It's not just about choosing a favourite design; we want to know what people like, what they don't, and hear their own suggestions for improvements. The whole community can reap the benefits of this multimillion-pound investment so it's important that the people of Preston have their say."

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