Keele University Masterplan, Staffordshire
1994-1995

Terry Farrell and Partners were appointed by Keele University in November 1994 to prepare a masterplan and design guidelines for the expansion of the University campus from 5,000 to 10,000 students on a 600 acre site near Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. This encompassed a new union square and building. Whilst this was a relatively small scheme, it was significant as it lay at the heart of the campus plan.

A local plan had been approved to release 35 hectares of green belt for the development within the University Estate, comprising mature woodlands and open valleys in the grounds of the historic Keele Hall. The University's objectives were to build on the existing mixed degree courses and create a campus, which provides a range of activities for students, staff, researchers, local community and business.

The masterplan provided a flexible layout, which allowed plots for academic buildings a business and science park, central facilities and student and staff residential units.

The concept for the masterplan was to extend the existing academic core along a new University High Street, creating a denser central area with a broad range of activities providing animation to public spaces along the new street. The masterplan created an entrance for the University within the development, and suggested reception and landmark buildings for the University.

Development of the masterplan has been shaped by design guidelines to ensure that it occurs in a manner that respects the existing landscape and environment and the University's objectives to create an interactive mixed community.