T H E E S TAT E A ND T H E MA S T E R P L A N
PR E S E R V I NG O U R A RC H I T E C T U R E AND H E R I TAG E Writing about the creation of the University in 1961, founding architect Sir Basil Spence said: “The whole precinct should have the ‘sense of a university’ and should, if possible, grow out of the soil of Sussex to become a natural part of this beautiful site”. Spence’s vision is firmly embedded in our plans. The University has been working in collaboration with Historic England, Brighton & Hove City Council and other local bodies, to ensure that our architectural legacy is not compromised. In 2015, we signed an agreement with Brighton & Hove City Council and Historic England to protect our campus’ historic listed buildings. Sir Basil Spence created a number of highly distinctive and cherished signature buildings. These include Falmer House, the Meeting House and the newly refurbished Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. We will be renewing the original Spence vision with the creation of new and equally distinctive signature buildings, as well as better pathways and movement through the campus, sustaining lines of sight to the Downs. The choice of building materials will also echo those favoured by Spence. Our plans to extend and redevelop the campus allow us to increase building capacity while continuing to enhance the environment in sympathy with architectural heritage.
PROV I D I NG C U LT U R A L S PAC E S
We are proud to be a part of a vibrant local community and are committed to providing opportunities for public access to our academic and learning resources. This includes access to The Keep facility, which houses our Special Collections and Mass Observation Archive. In 2016 we re-opened the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts to the public, following an extensive refurbishment. The Centre is a reflection of the University’s commitment to investing in its campus for the benefit of students, staff, the local community and wider arts scene. Named as a tribute to our former Chancellor, Lord (Richard) Attenborough and his family, the Centre embodies a creative spirit and will carry on the legacy of this great entertainment family. We have maintained the Grade II* listed building but modernised the space to provide flexible, high spec facilities including a 350-seat auditorium, extensive gallery and display areas designed for art and audio-visual installations and a new café and bar. The Centre will provide a fantastic learning space for our students and staff, giving them access to 21st century facilities within a building steeped in history. We plan to give access to local schools, residential and community groups so that they can enjoy the Centre – whether through attending performances or being part of the theatrical programme. The University has ambitions for the Attenborough Centre to become a leading contemporary arts and performance space and the cultural focus for the University and local community.
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