University of Sunderland announce £250 million major investment plan
Written by Daniel McCallum on 2nd February 2023
The University of Sunderland has announced plans for a ‘game-changing’ £250million investment into its facilities in both Sunderland and London.
The investment has received praise for being a big change in the University’s ambitions, realigning with Sunderland City Council’s regeneration programme across the region. The first phase of the plan, running from now until 2027, will see £100million spent to redevelop St Peter’s campus, creating a new library and student centre. It will be followed by investment in education and research facilities.
The Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, Farooq Hakim, said: “Such an investment will protect and enhance the long-term educational and financial sustainability of the University for both students and staff. It also reflects the University’s care for its people, as we want everyone here to have access to the best possible facilities on our different campuses.”
Sir David Bell, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “This investment reflects the standing and confidence of the University as it seeks to fulfil its life-changing purpose. It reflects too the transformational change that is taking place in the city of Sunderland, making it a great place to study, live and work.
“Alongside that, a new campus building in London will support the outstanding work we do in the capital, building on more than a decade of growth there. Students and staff will benefit from state-of-the art facilities in both Sunderland and London, enhancing our strong reputation for high-quality learning and teaching, and our society-shaping research and knowledge exchange activity.”
Katherine Cooper, Chief Executive of the Sunderland Students’ Union, said: “We warmly welcome today’s exciting announcement and what it means for our students. So, consistent with Sunderland’s ambition to be a student-focused institution, the Students’ Union will continue to work in partnership with the University as these estate plans come to fruition in the coming months and years.”
At the university’s London campus, a multi-million pound investment will include a new location in Canary Wharf at the heart of the capital’s financial district, and investment in student and staff facilities.