University of Sunderland plans ‘game-changing’ £250 million campus transformation

A university has unveiled “game-changing” £250 million redevelopment plans.

The University of Sunderland is overhauling its Wearside base in a ten-year programme bosses say will bolster its “strong reputation for high-quality learning and teaching”.

According to the blueprint, its St Peter’s campus will undergo a near £100 million renovation to create a new international business school, library and student centre, with further work carried out to strengthen provision of computer science and engineering courses.

A second phase will include the Sunderland Health Innovation Zone and a new sports ground.

A number of existing buildings and student accommodation will also be refurbished.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor and chief executive, 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.

“Students and staff will benefit from state-of-the art facilities, enhancing our strong reputation for high-quality learning and teaching, and our society-shaping research and knowledge exchange activity.”

Farooq Hakim, chair of the university’s board of governors, added: “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.”

The investment will also include multi-million-pound work on the university’s London campus, which will create a new Canary Wharf base and boost student and staff facilities.