‘Lantern’ set to light up campus
Aston University reveals unique vision
ASTON university has revealed plans for a radical lanternshaped teaching block as the first phase of a major campus expansion.
The university, near Birmingham city centre, this week revealed plans for the bizarre building which will have work, teaching and social learning space and a public arcade.
It is part of a wider masterplan by the university to upgrade its campus and benefit surrounding communities. A planning application has now been lodged with Birmingham City Council to redevelop the site at the corner of Woodcock Street and Lister Street near the Sacks of Potatoes pub.
The land is largely disused following the relocation of the students’ union.
Ian Oldacre, director of estates at Aston University, said: “Our ambitious campus vision sets out our aspiration to invest significantly in the delivery of a ‘destination campus’ to meet the changing demands and opportunities faced by universities. Aston University’s future growth will embrace evolving trends such as online and remote learning, greater connectivity, the growth in international students and closer collaboration with commercial partners and the business community.
“This new landmark building represents the first stage of our masterplan and long-term strategy.
“It will bring activity back to this key interconnect of the campus, linking future developments and a clear route to Lister Street and access to the north of the city.
“We have worked closely with our partners at Birmingham City Council to develop a building of iconic status, not only for Aston University, but for the city of Birmingham.”
The design team has been led by architecture practice Hawkins\ Brown whose previous work in the education sector includes for University College London, University of Oxford and University of Manchester.
Partner Tom Noonan said: “Our proposed design for this landmark building looks to serve as a dynamic new front door to Aston’s campus – an interface between the university and the wider city. It is designed as a building of two halves.
“Civic uses are provided in the lower section which opens out onto a landscaped plaza, enabling new public routes to emerging districts such as Birmingham’s knowledge quarter. Above this plinth is a more playful lantern which contains learning spaces and academic offices.
“The dynamic and visually striking lantern offers roof terraces where the floorplates shift and is designed to deliver new types of flexible spaces for the university well into the future.”
THE chief executive of Black Country brewery and pub company Marston’s is stepping down after two decades in the role.
Ralph Findlay will leave the post at the listed firm in September to coincide with the end of its financial year.
Wolverhampton-based Marston’s told the stock exchange that it had started the process of appointing his successor.
Mr Findlay joined the brewery in 1994 and was appointed chief executive in 2001, and it now operates an estate of around 1,500 pubs and employs 11,000 staff.
Last year, he oversaw the launch of a major joint venture with the UK arm of Danish giant Carlsberg to create a new brewing business called ‘Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company’.
And last week, Marston’s announced it had struck a deal with Welsh company SA Brain to buy eight of its pubs, following an agreement with the Cardiff-based firm in December to take over the running of its estate of 156 pubs.
The move by Mr Findlay follows a tumultuous period for the hospitality industry after suffering months of prolonged lockdowns as the country tried to combat the spread of Covid19.
Pubs are set to be allowed to open their outdoor spaces for customers from April 12.
Mr Findlay said: “I have been fortunate to work with many inspirational, talented and dedicated colleagues in an industry which is very close to my heart.
“Looking ahead to reopening and welcoming customers back into our wonderful pubs, I am confident that we have great people, a fantastic team in place, and that my successor will enjoy working with them and the board to take this great company forward to the next phase of its development.”
Chairman William Rucker added: “Ralph is one of the longest-serving business leaders in an industry which has seen significant change
and challenges during that time.
“He has overseen the development of Marston’s into one of the leading pub companies in the UK through operational innovation to drive change, and also transforming the business through strategic acquisition.
“He
has
guided
the company
through this last extremely challenging year to ensure it is ready to reopen as a purely focused pub operator with a substantially strengthened balance sheet.
“He leaves Marston’s in excellent shape and well-positioned to rebuild trading and go from strength-tostrength when restrictions are lifted.”