Lloyds Register confirm move to Southampton

11 April 2006

University of Southampton's vision for the UK's first 'Professional Campus'

The University of Southampton today unveiled outline plans to develop the UK's first wholly integrated 'professional campus' in line with its strategy to drive innovation in the economy through its world class research.

The plans would see the transformation of its Boldrewood campus, which is situated on the corner of Bassett Avenue and Burgess Road, into a flagship site, comprising a school of management and a building to accommodate the Marine operations of the internationally renowned Lloyd's Register Group.

The Lloyd's Register Group, whose UK base is currently in the City of London, is an independent risk management organisation which has a history of collaboration and a natural synergy with the University. Working for the public good and with its shared fields of study with the University, it will not only enhance what the University can offer in terms of integrated educational programmes, but will also establish Southampton as a world-leading centre for a broad range of marine-related research and the education of maritime professionals.

Professor Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Southampton, explained: "The University has a strong reputation for technological innovation and expertise in marine-related activity which encompasses engineering, management and law. To sustain our excellence in education, research and enterprise we need to have world class facilities, and the proposed development of the "professional campus" represents a major step in realising this goal."

The plans propose that the outdated biomedical science building at Boldrewood would be replaced and the site redeveloped with smaller, higher-quality buildings set in landscaped parkland which is sympathetic to the nearby Common and residential homes. The site would take full advantage of its location at the main northern entrance to the city, by providing a distinctive landmark and visually appealing 'gateway' to the city.

Professor Wakeham added: "The "professional campus" concept - versions of which work very successfully for other universities in Europe - would enable the University to benefit from closer alliances with professional organisations, initially the Lloyd's Register Group, which support our mission of education, research and innovation.

"We will be developing the capabilities of professional executives, providing cutting-edge knowledge to help create the visionaries and leaders of the future. Bespoke courses, such as coastal environmental management and maritime logistics, would ensure the campus becomes an international destination."

The Lloyd's Register Group has taken the decision to relocate its Marine services from London to Southampton, which will enable it to align its marine research and management educational initiatives more closely with the world-class expertise in these areas at the University. Many of its UK shipping clients have offices in the area and having its base here will make it easier to recruit staff with marine technical expertise. However, it will continue to be an integral part of the business cluster in London, where its corporate service departments will remain.

The University is planning a comprehensive programme of public consultation on the proposals in the coming months. An exhibition is expected to take place in September, when more detailed plans will be available prior to a planning application being submitted later in the year.

If approved, the redevelopment of the Boldrewood campus would be carefully phased to enable the smooth relocation of the School of Biological Sciences from the site to a planned, purpose-built Life Sciences Institute on the Highfield campus.

Notes for Editors
[The University of Southampton] is one of the UK's top 10 research universities, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. With first-rate opportunities and facilities across a wide range of subjects in science and engineering, health, arts and humanities, the University has around 20,000 students and 5,000 staff at its campuses in Southampton and Winchester. Its annual turnover is in the region of �274 million.

Southampton is recognised internationally for its leading-edge research in engineering, science, computer science and medicine, and for its strong enterprise agenda. It is home to world-leading research centres, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton; the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research; the Optoelectronics Research Centre; the Textile Conservation Centre; the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease; and the Mountbatten Centre for International Studies.

About the Lloyd's Register Group
[The Lloyd's Register Group], founded in 1760, is an international risk management organisation that works to enhance the safety of life and property at sea, on land and in the air. It works to help improve its clients' safety, quality, environmental and business performance throughout the world, because life matters.

The Group has an international network of 175 offices in 75 countries. It comprises charities and non-charitable subsidiary companies, with the latter supporting the charities in their main goal, as stated above.

Ends

For further information, please contact: Louise Ockenden or Paula Quigley on 07803 851 574 or 02380 337237 or email [[email protected]
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