University of Chester Development Framework March 2012 The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 1 The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 2 1 Introduction 2 University of Chester – Corporate Objectives 3 The University in Chester 4 Development Framework - Policy Context 5 University of Chester – Sites 6 The Development Framework 7 Development Principles and Process 8 Appendices: Public Consultation Outcomes The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 3 The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 4 Introduction The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 5 The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 6 Foreword This Development Framework has been prepared by the University of Chester to create a clear and shared framework for the University, the local planning authority and the local community to consider investment and development at the University of Chester’s sites in Chester. The Development Framework is Accordingly, the Framework reflects The Framework specifically considers founded on the view, shared by both established and emerging planning policy the period to 2016 (in parallel with the University and Cheshire West and at national and local level. Importantly, it the University’s Corporate Strategy). Chester Council, that the University is of also reflects the University’s Corporate However, longer term principles are significant importance to the economic, Strategy and the University’s evolving also established. The Framework will be cultural and social life of the City. Estates Strategy. formally reviewed by the University in conjunction with the Council on a regular This Framework is therefore intended to The Framework focuses on the basis and will be updated in 2016. establish a clear basis upon which the future University’s three sites in Chester, physical enhancement and development namely Parkgate Road, Kingsway and The Framework will be presented to of the University’s assets in the City can Riverside. Other assets held by the the Strategic Planning Committee be considered not just in the context of University in the City are referred to in and Planning Committee and will the University’s own priorities, but also the relation to future plans. The Framework subsequently be the subject of extensive strategy for the City as a whole and the also sets out the University‘s position public consultation. well-being of the local communities, of on the management of Houses in which the University is part. Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within its The University of Chester is a successful control and more broadly considers place of learning – this Framework The Framework is also intended to inform the likely future requirement for student intends to contribute to that continuing the Cheshire West and Chester Local accommodation. success to the benefit of students, staff, Development Framework—Core Strategy. our local community and the City. This is the statutory document produced The University’s site in Warrington is by the Council which will guide all future not considered in this Development growth across the Borough. Framework. The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 7 The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 8 University of Chester Corporate Objectives The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 9 The University Mission, Vision and Strategic Objectives The University of Chester has a long and distinguished history. Chester College was established in 1839 as an institution dedicated to the training of teachers, an innovative concept in the early nineteenth century, and is one of the oldest institutions in higher education, pre-dating all universities in England except Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and London. The Founders of the institution, a distinguished array of leading figures of the nineteenth century, were motivated by high moral purpose, reflecting the social conditions and philanthropic moral climate of the age. Whilst the date of its establishment is now education, training, skills and motivation to contribution to the City, the region and somewhat distant, the principles and main enable them to develop as individuals and beyond. In valuing and celebrating our purposes of the College at the time of its have lives of service in the communities long history and traditions, the University foundation have endured and continue within which they live and work. This remains dynamic and enterprising to inform the work of the University, mission, which has helped shape our in its approach to developing new embodying the concept of traditional development and diversification, continues opportunities. In particular, we are values in a modern setting. The University’s to inform our future planning and committed to engendering a sense of mission of service to the community enrichment as a University.’ pride and shared ownership in all those continues as an expression of the Christian associated with us and with what we do. foundation and its spirit and ethos now, as then, influences its life and work. Our Vision Our Objectives At the heart of the University’s vision is Our Mission our commitment to ensuring a rewarding The University’s objectives are set out student learning experience; developing in the Corporate Strategy 2012-2016 The mission of the former College has the expertise of our staff; teaching Defining Our Future: Chester 2016. remained constant throughout its history excellence; and our growing research and, as a University institution since and scholarly profile. Fundamental The Corporate Strategy is necessarily a 2005, it continues to seek: to these ideals and aspirations is the wide ranging document, centred around positive impact that the University has the continual enhancement of the learning ‘…within an open, inclusive and supportive on the lives of our students, our staff, experience, fostering research, enterprise environment, guided by Christian values, and our community, all of which underpin and knowledge exchange, promoting to provide students and staff with the the institution’s significant and growing partnership, diversity and inclusion. The University of Chester Development Framework, 2012 10 Of direct relevance to the Development technology, and student support services • providing facilities and services that Framework are the University’s objectives in order to enhance the overall learning support and maintain a high quality for the University’s physical environment experience of our students. In spite of learning environment and which meet which specifically seek: challenging economic circumstances, or exceed the changing requirements this investment will continue, reflecting of our students and staff; ‘To provide a modern learning and working the University’s commitment to provide • ensuring that the University’s estate is environment that meets the diverse needs all our students with every opportunity used in an efficient and cost effective of our staff, students and other users in and encouragement to support them manner at all times; a flexible, cost effective, environmentally in their individual learning and personal • pursuing best practice and securing sustainable and efficient manner.’ development journeys. The University’s value for money in all our estates pledge extends beyond its students to activities; The University is committed to include its staff, ensuring that they are • providing a safe working environment providing our students and staff with an provided with the appropriate facilities for all our staff and students. environment that meets the needs of a and resources to pursue their teaching, flourishing higher education academic research and scholarly interests. The community. This will be achieved in ways University is conscious of its obligations that complement the aesthetic character under health and safety legislation and will and environmental commitments of the at all times ensure that it provides a safe University whilst at the same time creating working environment for all our staff and an estate which is financially efficient and students. sustainable into the future. Through all of its educational activities, The quality of the University’s estate is the University is committed to promoting particularly important in helping to promote greater awareness and engagement in the image of the institution. This, in turn, respect of environmental sustainability in impacts upon student and staff recruitment, order to improve the quality of life now income generation and institutional and for future generations. We continue development capabilities. Recent years to seek to influence staff and students to have seen considerable investment embrace the opportunities they have to in the University’s estate, with several contribute to social progress, economic significant capital development projects. growth and environmental improvement. These additions to the University’s estate, This is achieved through a number of combined with changes to the nature of the activities including a commitment to student learning experience and new learning improve our environmental performance, and teaching methodologies, demand minimising waste and promoting resource creativity and prudence in the management efficiency, and, where practicable, of our primary physical resource to ensure favouring the purchasing of more that we maximise efficient space utilisation. sustainable goods and services. In particular, we recognise the need to be increasingly flexible and innovative in the