planningPlanning/Richmond Council

Hundreds turn up to see St Mary’s University expansion plans

Over 200 residents turned out to the St Mary’s University drop-in to discuss the proposed £100 million development to their Strawberry Hill campus.

Vice Chancellor Francis Campbell’s ‘Masterplan Vision 2025’ will involve building several accommodation halls on the campus.

St Mary’s currently has approximately 6,000 students, with the number set to rise to 9,000 if the Masterplan is put into action.

The heavily criticised plans will also see the athletics track, named after alumnus Sir Mo Farah moved to the Teddington Lock site.

The Strawberry Hill campus is built on Metropolitan Open Land, which can only be built on under ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Residents groups have publicly opposed any building on the Strawberry Hill campus.

Neighbours of St Mary’s University founder member Jonathan Whines said: “We already have numerous problems including parking issues and anti-social behaviour. This is a densely populated residential area.”

A spokesperson for St Mary’s said: “Our masterplan will provide improved first-class sports facilities for the community, reduce our environmental impact and ensure the campus remains open to the local community. Speaking with our neighbours and the community is an important part of this process.”

 

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