BDP - Mixed-Use Development - Middlesex University, Trent Park Campus

Date: 22 Jun 2004

Middlesex University has revealed designs by BDP for the first buildings within the redevelopment of its Trent Park campus. A detailed planning application has recently been submitted to Enfield Council.

The designs show the University's vision for the campus as a world class centre for arts and education. These plans form Phase 1 of the development which, if passed by Enfield Council, would be built by 2007. Phase 1 includes a new Learning Resource Centre with a 200 seat lecture theatre, and a residential building with rooms for 199 students. The latter will form the first part of a cluster of new student accommodation. The first phase of development will also include the demolition of Gubbay Hall, one of the existing halls of residence, built in 1964.

Professor Michael Driscoll, Vice Chancellor of the University said: "We are very excited by the work BDP has done. State of the art buildings have been specifically designed to fit in with the very special Trent Park setting. They will replace ugly and inefficient post-war buildings which have blighted this historic setting for many years.

"In parallel with our plans for new buildings we are also going to restore the Mansion House setting and other historic landscape features.

"Our aim is to create a world class campus at Trent Park with an international reputation which will make Enfield a genuine university town."

BDP won the scheme through a RIBA run competition.
Commenting on the proposals Chris Harding, BDP Architect Director said "We were struck by the integrity and beauty of the historic setting and its very strong sense of place. The prospect of creating a student centered learning environment in such a wonderful setting greatly excites us. This is an opportunity to develop the design of the individual buildings within the framework set by the masterplan, by Tibbalds TM2, to create a new visual identity and an inspirational place for learning.

The new campus will be the hub of the University's performing arts, music and education activity. The proposed theatre and exhibition spaces will also be open to the community.

Design Team: BDP - architect; WSP Group - M&E Engineer; Jacobs - structural engineer; Gleeds -QS.

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