University plans £15m eco-centre (From News Shopper)
Get involved: Send pictures, video, news and views - text NEWS SHOPPER to 80360 or email us
University plans £15m eco-centre
11:12am Tuesday 11th July 2006 in Education News By Samantha Payne
An artist's impression of how the new building would look
A NEW £15m teaching and office block is being proposed to replace a university's former hall of residence.
In 2003, Greenwich University was given outline planning permission for the four-storey building at Avery Hill campus, New Eltham.
And last month it submitted its detailed proposals, which residents can now comment on, to Greenwich Council.
The ecological building will be made from sustainable sources such as timber and will include an eco-friendly roof, topped with perennial plants offering a natural habitat for wildlife.
It will also feature a colonnade, allowing staff and students to take a covered walk through part of the site.
It has been designed so it can be used flexibly as either teaching space or offices.
The building will be situated alongside a new sports centre and an education centre for health and social care.
The buildings will form a courtyard at the heart of the campus.
If a formal decision is approved next year, work on the Southwood site could be expected to start in 2008 and finish by 2011.
A university spokesman says: "We are looking at a number of ways of improving facilities for staff and students, including this proposal for a replacement building.
"If the scheme goes ahead it will add to the high-quality facilities the university already offers."
Student Union president Farrah Chandia said: "The proposal is good news for students studying at Avery Hill as part of the ongoing improvements and developments at the campus."
New Eltham Residents' Association chairman Robin Clark said: "As long as it's not infringing the park and they keep within their parameters, I think the building is a step in the right direction."
