The University’s ambitious plans to become more competitive within the sector include the target to increase student numbers to 33,500 students by 2031/32.
To support this growth, the University has begun preparing plans to build additional accommodation, to minimise the impact our growth will have on the city’s housing supply. Following initial consideration of various possibilities, we are now ready to share our early thoughts on the first of these potential developments.
The sites being considered include Glen Eyre, Wessex Lane (including Stoneham) and Avenue Campus. These sites have been chosen as they are easily accessible by foot, bicycle and public transport from our campuses.
The first site being put forward for more detailed consultation with staff, students and our neighbours utilises land on our existing Avenue Campus.
Trudi Vout, Director of Residences, Sport & Community says ‘With these plans for new accommodation, the University is seeking to maximise the efficient use of our own estate and manage the impacts of both our current students and our future growth. Accommodation is an important part of the student experience and it’s right that we invest in ensuring we are providing enough rooms, and that our rooms are fit for current student needs. Whilst Avenue is the first plan we are offering for consideration and consultation with our community and neighbours, it is not the only location being considered, and we hope to be consulting on new buildings on Wessex Lane in the near future.
Many universities offer co-location of halls and teaching facilities and we are very confident this hall, if it goes ahead, would prove very popular with students.
The University of Southampton’s expansion plans represent not only a new chapter for the University itself but also a bright future for the city of Southampton. Through strategic growth, cutting-edge facilities, and a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the University continues to build on its legacy as an indispensable asset to the city and the wider region.’
The proposed location at Avenue Campus includes land that is currently used as parking provision. Our car park usage studies indicate the current car parking is less than 50% utilised even on the busiest days. Some of this use is by UoS contractors, whose vehicles can be accommodated elsewhere. The proposed scheme retains car parking specifically for use by Avenue-based staff.
We have shared early plans for development of our Avenue Campus with staff from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and we now invite all staff and students to view these plans on our website via southampton.likn.co/residences-development. If you have any comments you wish to share, please email [email protected] by 20 December 2024.
As we develop plans for the other sites, we will of course share those plans with staff and students as well.
Once we receive your comments, the project team will work on the next phase of planning. Those updated plans will be developed and shared in the New Year.