A ground-breaking ceremony marked the official start of construction for the University of Portsmouth's new Student Hub. The event, held today, signifies a major step forward in the University's ambitious £250m Estate Masterplan.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including members of the University Executive Board, leaders from the Estates team, Student Services, the Students' Union, and project partners Morgan Sindall and Ridge & Partners.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith, stated, “The Student Hub will sit at the heart of our campus, creating a central space that brings together key student services and support. As one of the flagship projects within our Estate Masterplan, it represents our continued investment in the future of the University and our students.”
The project involves refurbishing the existing Student Centre and creating a new space that will connect to the Library. This new area will offer dedicated spaces for social learning, wellbeing, and student support services. Key features will include Students' Union services, wellbeing offices, a student lounge, a coffee bar/kitchen, a Students' Union shop, and an events space and bar.
Clifford Kinch, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, expressed pride in the collaboration, saying, “We couldn’t be prouder to be working with University of Portsmouth and Ridge in delivering the Student Hub, such a key part of the University’s masterplan and a project that will create a sense of place and the connectivity of students on campus for many years to come. This project is all about supporting the next generation throughout their studies, whether that’s by building a kitchen for students to grab coffee with friends or giving them a space to receive the support they need. It’s fantastic to have commenced works and to celebrate that alongside the University. We very much look forward to continuing to collaborate with the University of Portsmouth and all other delivery partners as we progress on site.”
The site, known as Ravelin Park, has a historical connection to Portsmouth's military past. Originally part of the city's defensive fortifications, it later housed residences for senior army officers before the University acquired the land. The original Students' Union building also has ties to the site's military use.
The ongoing evolution of the site aims to create a dynamic new hub for students, integrating study, support, wellbeing, and social spaces in the campus's core. The Hub is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2028.
