CV 51 2023 | Page 38

38 of London . East Bank is the UK ’ s newest cultural quarter at the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park , a destination for innovation , creativity and learning .
UAL ’ s London College of Fashion is moving to East Bank in the autumn , followed by a new Sadler ’ s Wells East theatre and hip hop academy in 2024 , and new bases for BBC Music , V & A East and a V & A Storehouse due to open on the Park to complete East Bank in 2025 .
Keith Butler , Director of Major Projects for UCL Estates , said : “ This is a proud moment for UCL and we are grateful for the professionalism , tenacity and creativity of Mace and all our design , construction and project team partners for helping to ensure that Marshgate has been completed on budget and on time , despite the astonishing array of challenges facing the building industry in recent years . This has required the brave and bold thinking that UCL is renowned for the world over .
“ Our UCL East campus exemplifies the best in collaborative working between UCL colleagues from Estates , academia and professional services , as well as invaluable support and input from our student community . Together , through our building programme , we are working to futureproof our university for everyone .
“ UCL is a place where research transforms lives and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this transformative development . Marshgate is a magnificent building inside and out and , along with One Pool Street , will nurture the ways of working and studying that will lead to collaboration and discovery on a life-changing scale . Every member of the project team should be proud of what we have achieved .”
Marshgate , designed by Stanton Williams architects , is the single biggest structure on any of UCL ’ s campuses , measuring six times the size of the UCL Student Centre , which opened in 2019 on its Bloomsbury campus and offers 1,000 study spaces as well as exhibition areas .
Over the next six months , UCL East teams will complete the fitting out of the Marshgate building , including the installation of ultra hi-tech specialist equipment , in readiness for the start of the 2023 / 24 academic year when it will also be open to the public .
Terry Spraggett , MD Public Sector Construction at Mace , commented : “ We are proud to have supported UCL by delivering this landmark building , which will form an integral part of the university ’ s ambition to create cutting edge academic and research spaces for its students , staff and the wider public .
“ Marshgate is an exceptional building . Not only do the teaching and learning spaces break down conventional barriers , but the design quality is exceptional and a true testament to the strength of the collaborative team effort of the client , supply chain and consultants .
“ It ’ s been a great journey and I very much look forward to when Marshgate will welcome its first students in September .’’
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