Layout 2 - University of Central Lancashire

New world-class facilities
delivered for science and sport
Reinforcing UCLan’s commitment to a superlative student experience is
the remarkable transformation of the University’s campus environment.
As tuition fees continue to escalate, UCLan is
meeting the challenge of increased student
expectations head-on and in 2011 two more
world-class projects were completed and officially
opened; the £12.5 million JB Firth science
building and the £15.3 million indoor sports
centre and pre-school complex.
Both developments achieved the ‘excellent’
BREEAM rating; a significant boost to the
University’s already impressive sustainability
credentials which includes the largest solar panel
array of any UK university.
The JB Firth building is named after Dr James
Brierley Firth, one of the UK’s greatest pioneers of
forensic science who established the first forensic
science laboratory in Preston during 1938. The
facility comprises a 4,000m² teaching space and
caters for UCLan’s expansion of teaching and
research within the areas of forensic science, fire
engineering and chemistry. Students from the
School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences and
the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
are now enjoying a state-of-the-art learning
environment that provides a perfect springboard
to a range of science-based careers.
At the official opening event the University was
delighted to welcome two generations of the
Firth family with James’ grandchildren Judith
Baybutt and Richard Hewitt unveiling a plaque to
mark the occasion.
James’ surviving daughter Jessie Collinge, aged
92, was unable to attend the opening but in a
message to the University she said: “It’s a great
honour for the University to recognise James’
work and I know he would have been
overwhelmed to receive such an accolade. The
family are thrilled that future forensic scientists will
be learning in a fantastic facility built in his name.”
And it was perhaps Preston’s most famous son,
Sir Tom Finney CBE, whom UCLan honoured
when it named its new indoor sports centre, also
completed and opened during 2011.
The Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre is a fine example
of the University’s intent to ensure students receive
a UCLan experience that incorporates the perfect
blend of study and relaxation.
The facility houses top-class sporting facilities and
equipment with seven activity areas including
fitness suites, a high-spec eight-court timber
sprung sports hall with a retractable 300-seat
terrace and viewing gallery. Also included is a
squash court and activity studios for dance,
fitness and relaxation classes.
To cater for the University’s diverse range of
students, the overall complex incorporates a
90- pupil pre-school nursery and prayer facilities.
Sir Tom, who is also an Honorary Fellow of the
University, commented: “I am extremely proud
and it is a great honour to have this fantastic
sporting facility named after me. It will act as a
place to nurture and develop future generations
of athletes at the University and in doing so will
enhance Preston’s sporting reputation.”
An exhibition looking at Sir Tom’s life and career,
is on permanent display in the building’s foyer.
Sir Tom’s son Brian Finney and daughter Barbara
Herbert were at the opening, along with UCLan
Honorary Fellows and supporters of the University.
Open to all UCLan students and staff, in addition
to those within the University’s extensive partner
college network, the facility will also act as a
venue for UCLan’s summer schools.
The building will not only aid the development of
UCLan’s sporting elite but also act as a training
focal point for athletes from15 Pacific countries in
preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Dr Adrian Ibbetson, Academic Director of Sport,
commented: “UCLan is able to offer the Oceanic
athletes world-class training facilities at both
UCLan Sports Arena and the Sir Tom Finney
Sports Centre.
“2012 is a special year for Preston as we
celebrate the Guild, the European City of Sport
and of course the Olympics. Everyone in the
region is pulling together to make these initiatives
a success and the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre is
playing a crucial role in our plans."
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