Social Re-Purpose: HE on the high street
Jon Roylance, ADP

Our presentation showcases two current projects re-purposing redundant high street buildings for higher education and community benefit. The first, the conversion of a former Debenhams department store in Gloucester, to create a new City Campus for the University of Gloucestershire. The second, the conversion of a former Marylebone Road office building into a new Inclusive Enterprise Centre for the University of Westminster .

Joined by ‘client voices’ from both institutions our presentation will explore the benefits of re-purposing former high street buildings, discuss the social value and community benefit of both projects – including supporting students with vocational training, and providing the wider community benefits of access to education, health diagnostics, and employment opportunities. We will share lessons learned on the challenges of converting both buildings.

The presentation will also highlight data on sustainability and low carbon benefits through re-use, and share client and architect experience of securing wider community support and funding.

The integration of academia and community and commercial spaces
Robert Hopkins, AHR & Tim Hosker, University of Huddersfield

By integrating academia within workspaces, we can create thriving communities which positively impact growth within the region. There are innumerable opportunities for research and collaboration naturally presented, as well as the opportunity to develop and retain a highly- skilled workforce.

Through combining healthcare with academia, we can address disparities in healthcare outcomes and increase the accessibility of community services. In addition to this waiting times can be reduced, the NHS is supported in tackling workforce challenges and the health outcomes of surrounding communities are directly positively impacted.

We will explore this trend by looking at a number of case studies.