Kingston University (KU) announced it has officially opened a new multi-million pound building on its Penrhyn Road campus.
The Town House building was designed by award-winning architectural firm Grafton Architects and built by three-time Education Constructor of the Year firm Willmott Dixon.
KU said that Town House would "transform" learning opportunities for students and pointed out a range of features now available to KU students.
What a way to start the decade... Our new flagship building, Town House, is now open! 🙌💙🎉 https://t.co/ukw2ub7Tyz #WelcomeToTownHouse #TownHouseKingston pic.twitter.com/h6fHkmbcPK
— Kingston University (@KingstonUni) January 6, 2020
The new, six-story building features a multi-floor academic library and archive alongside dance studios and a studio theatre.
The total cost of the Town House building is around £50 million.
KU's Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier described Town House as "stunning" as it opened its doors to students on Monday (January 6).
"Town House is a stunning architectural achievement – an inspirational building with a variety of spaces which break down barriers and encourage creativity, shared learning and unexpected encounters," he said.
"At the start of this project we set out to create a building that gives us a real presence in the borough and that reflects the importance of our civic role within Kingston upon Thames.
"We wanted an inviting, welcoming environment that would allow more opportunities for collaboration between the University, local residents and businesses.
"We hope Town House will act as a front door and gateway for people to come and be a part of what we are delivering for the borough and wider society," Spier added.
Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2020 with the opening of our new flagship building #TownHouseKingston. The Town House features dance studios, a studio theatre, library, cafes, roof-top garden and more. #WelcomeToTownHouse💙 https://t.co/O9mPa9U8bL pic.twitter.com/lwmi8OObO1
— Kingston Uni Alumni (@kingstonalumni) January 6, 2020
KU pointed out the building was in line with sustainability goals the university said it aspires to across the board.
"House is a BREEAM Excellent rated development – a leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings," a KU spokesperson said.
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