Cumbria University set for first phase of Lancaster estate revamp

The University of Cumbria’s plans for a 26,000 sq ft extension at its Lancaster campus are due to be granted planning permission by the city council next week.

The university is seeking approval for plans to partly demolish the Askwith drama block at its Bowerham Road campus, and replace it with a three-storey teaching block and landscaping around the quad.

The development site is to the south of the main group of university buildings.

Designed by JCA Architects, the block is set to include a lecture theatre to accommodate 220 students alongside a range of flexible classrooms.

The redevelopment of the Askwith building is part of a wider masterplan for the campus which is currently being developed by the University of Cumbria and aims to demolish poor building stock in order to create new academic districts and development sites over the next 10 years.

If the scheme is approved, the facility is scheduled to be complete by autumn 2016.

Planning offices have recommended the proposals be signed off by Lancaster City Council at its planning committee meeting on 19 October.