On Tuesday 11 June the University celebrated the official unveiling of the Sir James Matthews Building, a distinguished five-storey educational facility situated at the heart of the city of Southampton’s cultural quarter.
The building marks a significant expansion of our presence in the city, sitting alongside One Guildhall Square, the John Hansard Art Gallery, and, further afield, the Mayflower Halls of Residence and gym. With this expansion we have strengthened our ties to the local community and have paved the way for a vibrant new University of Southampton City Centre Campus.
During the afternoon a series of engaging talks and activities were on offer, showcasing the development and investment into the Sir James Matthews Building.
Guests were invited to explore the recent building developments, including the new Student Enterprise Junction, a collaborative and accessible co-working space for students and recent graduates to explore business ideas and develop enterprise skills. It’s a place for connecting students and businesses for mutual benefit and will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange between the University and the regional business community.
Founders from ‘The Foundership’ were available to showcase their 12-week programme that aims to nurture and support high-potential student-led businesses providing the funding, knowledge, guidance, and environment to create successful and sustainable businesses.
Two students who are working in the Law School’s Global Legal Clinic, which was launched in February 2024, met with guests to explain how the Clinic helps support local residents and business by offering free legal support. Students working in the Clinic, under the supervision of academic members of staff, offer legal support to clients on some of the most pressing issues facing people and businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Vice-President (Education and Student Experience) at the University of Southampton, Deborah Gill, welcomed guests to the event and explained her visionary outlook for our new City Centre Campus and what it can do for the education of our students.
‘I am thrilled to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the Sir James Matthews building. This afternoon has been filled with fantastic examples of innovation, knowledge sharing and collaboration that really underpins the University’s civic pledge to drive economic growth and tackle social challenges across Southampton and Hampshire.
Opening the Sir James Matthews Building has provided a valuable city centre resource for our students and staff members. The building provides a vibrant addition to our city centre campus, blending civic, enterprise and educational facilities for our students, staff and wider community.’
More information about the building can be found at the Sir James Matthews SharePoint site.