The final part of almost £100 million-worth of development projects is now open to the University of Plymouth’s students, staff and visitors.
Weighing in at £63 million, the revamped and dramatically extended Babbage Building is now home to the engineers and designers of tomorrow.
And the next phase of the University’s Campus Masterplan is now in progress, with two further projects on track to be delivered by 2025.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Judith Petts CBE says: “I am immensely proud that – at a time when many universities in the UK and internationally face significant fiscal difficulties – the University of Plymouth remains in robust financial health and continues to invest in sustainably improving its estate.
“Babbage is yet another amazing building that will deliver our future success, by supporting engineering and design students as well as our leading research. It not only enhances our city centre campus, delivers a better student experience and delivers on our ambitions to reduce our University’s impact on the environment, but also continues our efforts to improve Plymouth’s built environment.”
Babbage first opened to students of the future at the University’s open event on Saturday 18 November, ahead of welcoming current students plus staff two days later.
Formal opening events are being planned for 2024, but the Vice Chancellor and the University’s Director of Estates and Facilities, Trevor Wills met with colleagues from BAM construction for a celebratory key handover this week (Wednesday 6 December 2024).
Trevor says: “Babbage has been a challenging project to deliver – especially alongside InterCity Place. I wouldn’t recommend running two major redevelopment projects concurrently, but the pay-off is more than worth it and I have been lucky to work with amazing teams, both in-house at the University and through our contractors.
“This building is a very attractive improvement to our urban campus and the interior has a marvellous sense of scale.
“Now that Babbage is open for business, there’s a deep personal joy in seeing people using the space and finding something new every time I go in there, plus the feedback from students and colleagues is immensely positive.”
While the main construction works are complete, specialist facilities and laboratories are still coming on stream, and a small team from BAM remains on site for some finishing touches. BAM’s regional director Tim Chell says: “We are delighted to be handing over the hugely impressive Babbage Building. It’s great to see that efforts of the whole team at BAM and the University of Plymouth have been rewarded, and that this facility will enhance the experience of all who use it. Well done to all involved.”
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