The University of Bolton will open new buildings in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates on Tuesday 30 September.
HRH, The Earl of Wessex will formally open the new £2.5 million student development in Bolton and witness the simultaneous unveiling of a commemorative plaque, via satellite link, at the university's new £1m campus in Ras al Khaimah, UAE.
As part of his visit The Earl of Wessex will see an exhibition of student work and visit the new Students' Union facilities, part of the multi-million development at Deane Campus.
The focal point of the opening event visit will be the new Social Learning Zone, a suite of stunning facilities based in the former textile hall, adjacent to the Student Information Centre and Eagle Mall.
The bright, spacious social learning zone gives students space to study in a traditional library setting or in a relaxed atmosphere with access to the latest wireless technology, enabling students to work in groups online as well as in networks. It offers seating for 200 students. Adjacent are:
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a mezzanine floor students' union with bar and social facilities;
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a new all-day, every-day computer access room;
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new students' union offices and advice centre.
The development also includes a new library entrance, leading into the Social Learning Zone.
Now completed this combined student services area will cover floor space equivalent to the size of a football pitch (approx 2000 sq m) which also includes a student union shop and café facilities.
The scheme marks the completion of an £8m, two-year building development programme which included the £1.7m Innovation Factory, a new suite of teaching space which includes purpose-built, glass-fronted art studios leading out into Christ Church gardens.
Said Vice Chancellor and Head of the University of Bolton, Dr George Holmes:
'I am delighted The Earl of Wessex has agreed to open the facilities here and at Ras al Khaimah.
'These exciting, new student-centred facilities are right in the heart of campus.
'We know students today want somewhere to relax, get on line, text and study. They will be able to bring books in from the library, use their lap-tops and discuss projects with fellow students or tutors.
'If they want to work at a terminal the new computer zone is upstairs. Any information issues; it's right across the mall. We're creating a one-stop-shop for students, bringing together just about everything they need when they are not in lectures.
'This simultaneous opening with the new campus in UAE by HRH, The Earl of Wessex is a unique event and builds on our international presence in China, Malaysia and Vietnam.'
Note to editors
* Security arrangements dictate any media wishing to attend this event MUST contact the University of Bolton press office to obtain a press pass.
* The £1m university campus in UAE, initially set to accommodate around 150 students, is just 45 minutes from Dubai. It offers undergraduate and post-graduate courses in the built environment, engineering, business, IT and art and design. The programmes will be directly equivalent to those provided for students at Bolton and will share the same exam boards, quality monitoring process and external verification. Development plans include an extension of courses and student numbers to increase to around 700 within five years.
* Before his visit to the Social Learning Zone, The Earl of Wessex will see a presentation by Bolton pupils regarding their Duke of Edinburgh Award experiences at an event hosted by the University of Bolton.