Final UCLan building is a vision ... in glass

At 13.5 metres high and nearly 100 metres long, the £60 million Student Centre is already being toasted as the highest single span ‘continuous’ curtain walling system in Europe.

The building is part of the University of Central Lancashire’s £200m Masterplan that is now taking shape across the city centre and its on-structural the outer walls gives an impressive finish to the south elevation of the development.

This design, says Ian Roberts, project manager for contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, : “Gives the centre a pleasing aesthetic finish and doesn’t require additional fixings between its whole length. The system fits with the overall design, modern but practical as a world-class facility for many years to come.”

The galzing was built in Scotland before being delivered to Preston and carefully swung into place with the help of a towering crane.

When it is finished, the development will also create a greener environment on what was previously part of the the busy Adelphi roundabout area.

Students, staff and residents will benefit from more than 300 new trees being planted and a 50,000-strong bee colony housed on the roof of the Student Centre.

The Masterplan also includes previously completed buildings of two new student spaces, the OASIS multi-faith centre and the £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre.