Prison plan included in £150m vision to overhaul university

A vision for the £150m transformation of Christ Church University and “extension of Canterbury’s historic city centre” has been revealed.

University bosses have released fresh images of the proposed overhaul of their city campus, which will see the former prison converted for student use.

Architects’ impressions show a dramatically altered site featuring landmark buildings, a central square and a new student hub using elements of the listed prison structure.

Plans also involve a new public thoroughfare running through the heart of the university, linking it with the cathedral.

Chris Harding of architects BDP says: “By opening up the campus we have been able to take advantage of the amazing views offered from St Martin’s Church to Canterbury Cathedral, taking in St Augustine’s Abbey and give the university a new public space at the heart of the campus.” Right, vice-chancellor Prof Rama Thirunamachandran and an aerial view of campus

Members of the public are invited to view the university’s masterplan at a public exhibition which opens today (Thursday).

Conversion of HMP Canterbury – once home to notorious gangsters the Kray twins – would see the building become a student hub complete with cafe and restaurant. Documents lodged with the city council suggest historic A wing is to be preserved as a museum space, while B and C wings are to be bulldozed.

A new five-storey building accommodating lecture spaces is to be built at the back, with a basement car park.

Plans for the former Prison Quarter, due to be formally submitted to the council later his year, include an engineering, science and technology centre.

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “We have a long and proud history of adapting and innovating to meet the needs of our students, local communities and the wider society.

“The new engineering, science and technology buildings will provide students with cutting edge learning facilities, as well as recognising the need to support the regional economy by growing skills, jobs and talent in STEM subjects.”

The plans and detailed designs will be on display in Augustine House until Friday, June 24, between 9am and 7pm.

Questionnaires and opportunities to leave feedback will be available.

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Picture: BDP Left: Artist’s impression of the redeveloped former Canterbury prison and how the new university square could look