University of Kent expands with 500 new bedrooms
October 2011
The University of Kent's £25 million redevelopment of Keynes College has received unanimous approval from students, staff and visitors alike - a message that bodes well for it's 2012 Olympic ambitions.
The redevelopment of the College on the University's Canterbury campus has resulted in 500 new bedrooms for undergraduates, the complete refurbishment of 162 existing bedrooms and the extension of its popular flagship bistro, Dolche Vita.
The redevelopment has also created 20 new jobs in catering and housekeeping.
Described by student Harriet Williams as 'light, spacious and airy', these new facilities will be a great asset to the many thousands of conference delegates the University welcomes each year, as well as those leisure visitors planning to stay at the campus during the 2012 Olympic Games.
Kevin Stuckey, Residences & Conference Manager at the University, commented: 'I am delighted that our students have given the redevelopment of Keynes their all-important approval. This certainly bodes well for future visitors to the campus, including those who plan to use the University as a base for the 2012 Olympic Games.'
The new-build sections of the redevelopment comprise a combination of en-suite student flats and townhouses with large ground floor kitchens and bedrooms, with shared bathroom facilities on the floors above. In addition to the University's specification of 13 square metre bedrooms (larger than the sector norm), there are 96 generously proportioned double bedrooms.
The redevelopment, which commenced in October 2010, was completed in September in time for the University's new academic year.
It brings the University's Canterbury bed stock to 4,800 bedrooms.
