University of Hertfordshire open new £120M accommodation

New student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane Campus officially opened.

A redevelopment plan that has been ongoing for three years has reached completion, with the £120M new student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane Campus officially now open.

The project, which was developed by Uliving and built by Bouygues UK, is made up of a 3,000 bed accomodation, and marks a significant milestone in the University’s Estates 2020 Vision and the transformation of the College Lane campus.

Four ex-university students were chosen to open the new accommodation, with each area named after them.

Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “Our architects have done an absolutely magnificent job. I am delighted that we now have space for so many more students yet have managed to keep our wonderful green space on campus. We have a truly fantastic campus here and I’m delighted we have four of our most prestigious alumni here to open the buildings which have been named after them.”

Photography by Pete Stevens ©

Dr Julia Schofield MBE, a leading technology consultant and champion for utilising technology to meet the needs of people with disabilities, opened the Schofield accommodation. Julia was first blind female to study Computer Science at the University in the 1970s.

Julia said: “I am lucky because my time here enabled me to get into a field I really wanted to work in. I was surprised to be asked and I am extremely honoured.”

Diane Maclean, sculptor and environmental artist, opened the Maclean accommodation. Diane studied Art and Design at the University in the 1980s and is a long-standing supporter of the University. Her stainless steel creation “The Mountain”, commissioned for the Natural History Museum, sits outside main reception.

Mike Newton, a Computer Science graduate who has been a major contributor to the development of the computing industry, opened the Newton accommodation. Mike has worked with well-known companies such as Apple and Dell. He is an advocate for technology education and supports early career technologists.

The residences were officially opened on the same day as the opening of The Oval, a centre providing sports and social facilities as well as an information point for students, and the Hutton Hub, which brings together all student services in one location. Services include the Student Centre, Careers Service, Campus Pharmacy and Medical Centre, Student Union and a branch of Santander.

The Oval will be named Sir Stuart Matthews Centre in recognition of alumnus Sir Stuart Matthews and his long-standing contribution to the aviation industry which began at Hatfield Technical College. Sir Stuart Matthews also helped build the Comet, the world’s first jet airline.

Sir Stuart Matthews said: “I want to take the opportunity to say how proud I am to have graduated from Hertfordshire and to have this building named after me. I was one of the very first students here sixty years ago when it was Hatfield Technical College and it’s hard to believe that the University has become what it is today.”

The Hutton Hub takes its name from the Hutton building, which was built on the site in 1948 and named after Dr Hutton, the first head teacher of Hatfield School.

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