Morgan Sindall breaks ground on £23.1m Student Hub at the University of Portsmouth
Morgan Sindall Construction’s South business has officially broken ground on the £23.1 million refurbishment and extension of the University of Portsmouth’s Student Hub.
A groundbreaking ceremony held on 19 October brought together representatives from Morgan Sindall, the University Executive Board, leaders from the University’s Estates team, Student Services and the Students’ Union, Scott White and Hookins engineers, and Ridge & Partners for a turf-cutting, refreshments, and speeches.
The project was procured through the NHSSBS framework. Once complete, the Student Hub will link to the library and bring social learning, wellbeing, student support, and events together in one place, giving students somewhere to build a sense of community.
The refurbished and extended 3,125 sq m building will include Students’ Union services, wellbeing offices, a student lounge, meeting and flexible working spaces, a coffee bar and kitchen, a Students’ Union shop, an events space, and a bar.
In addition to creating a welcoming, supportive environment, the Student Hub will be a vibrant centre for student life, bringing together social spaces, events, and opportunities for students to build a sense of community.
Ravelin Park, the site of the Student Hub, has a long military history. It was originally part of Portsmouth’s defensive fortifications, before these were demolished and replaced by official residences for senior army officers in the 1880s. One of these, Gun House, still stands next to the current Students’ Union building.
The project team is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, and PV panels will be installed on the roof. Morgan Sindall will also take part in the 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge throughout the works, working with consultants and supply chain partners to find innovative solutions that together cut at least 10 tonnes of carbon from the construction process.
The continued evolution of the site will create a vibrant new hub for students, bringing together study, support, wellbeing and social spaces in the heart of the campus.
The Student Hub is on track to complete in early 2028.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith said:
The Student Hub will sit at the heart of our campus, creating a central space that brings together key student services and support. As one of the flagship projects within our Estate Masterplan, it represents our continued investment in the future of the University and our students.”
Clifford Kinch, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, said:
We couldn’t be prouder to be working with the University of Portsmouth and Ridge in delivering the Student Hub, such a key part of the University’s masterplan and a project that will create a sense of place and connectivity of students on campus for many years to come. This project is all about supporting the next generation throughout their studies, whether that’s by building a kitchen for students to grab coffee with friends or giving them a space to receive the support they need.
It’s fantastic to have commenced works and to celebrate that alongside the University. We very much look forward to continuing to collaborate with the University of Portsmouth and all other delivery partners as we progress on site.”
ENDS