Work has started to transform the heart of De Montfort University Leicester’s (DMU) campus into one of the finest in the country.
Construction crews have partially closed off part of Mill Lane, which runs through the centre of the university, to begin a complete makeover which will change the look of the majority of the site, creating broader pedestrianised areas and landscaped grass sections.
Both Mill Lane and the Gateway, which intersect each other, providing the axes along which the campus is built, will be redeveloped over the next few months.
The project is being split into five phases, which will take place between now and Christmas. Each phase will see a new area of Mill Lane or the Gateway closed off for reconstruction and landscaping.
All efforts will be made to ensure access to buildings is maintained and pedestrian routes signposted. Noise and disruption will be minimised where possible.
As each phase begins, DMU will provide updates and advice on closures and work timetables.
The redevelopment of Mill Lane and the Gateway is just one aspect of DMU’s overall campus transformation project, currently taking place.
The centrepiece of the project is a new base for the university’s art and design subjects, with sector-leading teaching facilities that will help DMU to be one of the foremost providers of creative higher education in the UK.
DMU is also restoring the Great Hall of Leicester Castle to its former glory, investing £4.2m in the refurbishment and creating within it the Leicester Castle Business School.
The project has seen the creation of a new Food Village and Staff Common Room, the new Venue@DMU building for events, and various breakout areas across the campus buildings.
The next few months will also see a refurbishment of DMU’s Campus Centre, giving a revitalised home to the De Montfort Students’ Union when complete.
Posted on Monday 11 July 2016