Draft University of Warwick Supplementary Planning Document
Development Proposals to 2033
Areas of Change
This SPD covers the next ten years to 2033, reflecting the University's Capital Plan for future investment in new buildings and infrastructure. These arise from the longer term vision to 2050 set out earlier. There are five specific projects, two of which are already in the planning process. These are:
- The Social Science Quarter including new Business School and repurposing of existing Social Sciences buildings
- The Science and Engineering Precinct - redevelopment and refurbishment of STEM facilities in central campus and creation of a new University Green
- New Energy Innovation Centre
- Extension of Scarman House, Post Experience Centre, including additional bedspaces
- Solar arrays – large-scale photovoltaic installations to generate renewable energy.
In addition, the University anticipates providing 1,200 net additional student bedspaces on or close to campus, either through direct development or in conjunction with private developers (what is known as Purpose Built Student Accommodation).
In conjunction with the highway authorities, the University has modelled the traffic generation from 31,000 sq.m. of new academic development over and above the recent approval of the social sciences quarter, which used up floorspace previously approved in 2018. This includes the above projects and makes an allowance for a further net 13,000 sq.m. of academic floorspace to allow for other projects to come forward over the period to 2033.
There are a further ten potential projects which may come forward before 2033. The University has yet to make final decisions and therefore the SPD identifies these as areas of likely future development. They could be for academic, residential or other purposes related to the University. Should one or more of these projects come forward, they would be considered against the remaining capacity in floorspace terms and the Design Principles set out above.
The areas of likely future development are:
- Humanities Building – part vacated since completion of the new Faculty of Arts
- Sports Centre – in temporary use for examinations since completion of the new Sports Hub
- Social Sciences block off Library Road – to be replaced by new Social Sciences Quarter
- Senate House – may become surplus to requirements as administrative needs change
- Whitefields and Rootes residences potential for redevelopment
- Health Centre – dependent upon replacement elsewhere on campus
- Radcliffe House – potential for redevelopment of MBA Training Centre
- Land to rear of Lord Bhattacharya Building
- Site adjoining Degree Apprenticeship Centre
- Surface car park between Kirby Corner car park and University House
- Gibbet Hill – older buildings in central block, retaining the farmhouse
There are two further areas of wider change which sit outside of the SPD proposals.
- University of Warwick Science Park – consideration may be given to selective redevelopment at higher density which will need to be considered on its merits.
- Westwood campus – over the medium to long term, there will be further change at Westwood campus and consideration will be given to a comprehensive masterplan for potentially mixed use development which again would need to be considered on its merits.
In the south-west corner of campus, land will be retained to accommodate a new route from the potential transport corridor and which would create a new gateway into campus.
PLAN 13. AREAS OF POTENTIAL CHANGE
Ecopark
To the south of campus, within the area designated as Green Belt, the University will continue to explore the creation of an Eco-Park dependent on the return of land from HS2 Ltd and any other infrastructure requirements. The Ecopark concept foresees landscape enhancement to create an accessible resource for the University and local communities including ecological assets, open recreational areas and renewable energy generation, consistent with Green Belt policy whilst remaining compliant with local and national planning policy.
Sports
The provision of open space and facilities for outdoor sport and recreation helps underpin people's quality of life and a sense of belonging within a community. The University's ongoing desire is for the campus to have modern, equitable, well-maintained and accessible open spaces, sports, leisure, and recreational facilities, to enable the University to enrich lives through active living and enable students to fulfil their potential through sport. This will be particularly important in circumstances where new campus developments or services are creating demand for additional or enhanced facilities.
The University currently has a mix of sports facilities on campus ranging from older buildings and amenities through to sector leading sports facilities.
The University attracts a growing population of dual-career and performance sports student athletes, which means there is a need to consider the quality and longevity of the campus's specialist sports facilities. In addition, the University aspires to create a campus where physical activity is the norm and consider that there is opportunity to create accessible routes through and around campus which are safe for cycling, running and walking all year round.
Residential Accommodation
The University of Warwick currently provides accommodation for c7500 students on campus (as of February 2024). The University's aspiration is to continue to investigate the increase of its stock of student accommodation and renew existing accommodation, with a view to ensuring that at least the current ratio of on/ immediately adjacent to campus accommodation to students is maintained.
The number of students attending the University is expected to grow by the year 2033. The University's aspiration is to increase the number of student bed spaces serving the University by c1200 by 2033, either within or immediately adjoining the campus.
There are a number of locations within the SPD boundary where student residences could be considered, creating accommodation which is of high-quality set within the University campus. However, the exact amount and locations are not yet determined. Any proposals for new student accommodation would be guided by the design principles and other criteria as set out in this SPD and in the adopted Local Plans.
Students attending the University also live in a variety of other accommodation, including purpose-built student housing (PBSA) provided by private developers. Should the private sector deliver student bedspaces adjacent to the campus, in line with Local Plan policies, the University will likely reflect this in its ambitions for its own provision on the campus itself.
The provision of student accommodation either within or immediately adjacent to the campus supports students to walk and cycle to and within the campus, consistent with the University's mobility strategy, which is explained further in the Transport and Movement section of this SPD.
All first-year students are able to live on campus if they desire. Beyond the first year, students typically move off-site, except those in accessible units who can stay throughout their studies.
From data compiled in February 2023, the spread of term-time student residences in Coventry and Warwick District is roughly as follows:
- On Campus 7,500
- PBSAs on the collar of campus 2,300
- Coventry (excluding PBSAs on the collar of campus) 10,000
- Kenilworth 400
- Leamington Spa 4,300
- Warwick 200
These figures are approximate, reflecting a snapshot of enrolment data.
Recent enrolment and bus usage data shows a notable decrease in students living in Leamington Spa compared to previous years and an increase in Coventry city centre and in PBSAs on the collar of campus. This reflects the availability of PBSA and students' evolving accommodation preferences.
