Designers chosen for Centre for Student Life

Award-winning architects with a track record of high-profile public projects have been chosen to design Cardiff University’s Centre for Student Life

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) has been selected to design the new building, proposed for Park Place, which is part of a £45m investment in the student experience at the University.

FCBS has experience working on university projects both in the UK and internationally and has worked on numerous flagship schemes for major clients such as the Manchester School of Art, National Trust, Royal Airforce Museum and the Southbank Centre.

The Centre for Student Life, developed in partnership with the Students’ Union, will transform the delivery of all non-academic services to students.

Focused on customer service excellence, it will establish a single gateway to all non-academic student services, provide a welcome point for students and visitors, and will adjoin the current Students’ Union building.

It will house a state-of-the-art lecture theatre and a range of informal learning spaces alongside an exciting range of shops and catering outlets.

Professor Colin Riordan, Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, said: “The Centre for Student Life is a significant investment in our students and their learning experience here in Cardiff.

“This project is all about the delivery of a world-leading student experience covering every facet of student life in a landmark building for the University and the city of Cardiff.

“Our students rightly expect the very best facilities in every part of their Cardiff education and I am therefore delighted that we have secured designers with a proven track record for this type of high-profile project.”

Students’ Union President Claire Blakeway said: “The Centre for Student Life is a huge investment in the student experience at Cardiff University.

“It is fantastic news for our students and will transform their non-academic services, while providing them with the very best facilities.

“The project underlines the strength and importance of the partnership between the University and the Students’ Union.”

FCBS partner Tom Jarman said: “FCBStudios are thrilled to have been selected to support Cardiff University as they embark on this innovative and exciting Student Centre at the heart of their campus.

“Situated on Park Place between the Main Building and the Students’ Union, the new facility will provide excellent learning and support environments to students at the University.

“The project will also serve to create much improved connections to the Students’ Union and Cathays railway station beyond.”

FCBS won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2008 for an innovative housing scheme in Cambridge, while in 2013 it won the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award for its new Business School and student hub at Manchester Metropolitan University.