Loughborough College, Leicestershire

Over the years, Loughborough College has invested in and developed its campus to meet the needs of its 5,000 on-site students. Dale Richardson, Director of Estates and Sustainability, talks about the college’s need for a social hub, and the importance of selecting the right construction partner.

“Throughout developing the campus, there has never really been an opportunity to deliver a specific social breakout space for the students, and we’ve been craving that for some time. We had a redundant concrete slab from a previous building that was left on site which gave us an opportunity.”

Having known them from a previous role, Dale contacted Streetspace Structures to see what was possible. Taking into account the needs of the college, a concept was developed that soon had the green light from key stakeholders.

“I like working with Streetspace. They’re forthcoming with everything, there are no hidden costs and they’re solutions orientated which is great for someone like myself. It’s above anything a traditional build can do. For the value, it’s superb. 

Floor to ceiling glazing wraps one half of the structure, flooding the 30m x 11.5m interior with natural light whilst creating an inviting view from the outside. Accessible ramps and handrails were added to either side of the existing foundation, leading up to automatic sliding doors. Stepping inside, modern LED space lighting and a temperature control system ensure comfort all year round. 

“It’s a very simple structure with a lot of opportunities for progression inside of them. Because of that, they’re able to build them very quickly. The speed that this went up was absolutely fantastic and we were all taken back by that – very impressed.”

Emblazoned on both sides of the building in bold, extruded orange letters is the name “1909 Lounge”. Inherited from a previous concept, this name pays homage to the college’s history whilst perfectly accenting the modern silhouette of a ZONE Glazed Building. Custom graffiti-style artwork adorns the interior walls, featuring college branding and values.

“It’s designed to be for the students. The name underpins when the college was formed in 1909. It’s a place for the students to relax, dine and study and I think that really comes across in this building. This is one of the big key drivers for new cohorts and it’s really about giving them an opportunity to engage with each other. 

Now complete and hosting a new cohort of students, the building stands proudly in the heart of the campus. Playing a key role in the future of the college, it is seen as a central hub to gather, socialise and hold events.  

“The 1909 Lounge will play a key role in the future of the college. We’ve already based Fresher’s around this area, Pride will be held here and student council will more than likely end up coming over to this location. I would highly recommend Streetspace to anyone for their building, without a shadow of a doubt. They’ve delivered here, and we’ll continue to work with them moving into the future.”