University of Ulster to get new building

A new building for the University of Ulster is to be constructed in Belfast city centre as part of a £250m (€279m) investment, it was announced today.

Some students will be moved from Jordanstown to a site adjacent to its existing Belfast campus as part of the largest investment in the institution’s history.

Jordanstown will be transformed into a sports centre and new academic units will be developed at Magee in Derry to boost student recruitment and research.

The university wants to create a business park at Coleraine.

Professor Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, said: “The University of Ulster is a primary force in delivering the skills base, driving social and economic regeneration and contributing to the cultural vitality of Northern Ireland, and it is now renewing itself to serve the region’s needs in the 21st century through the plans announced today.”

The announcement of the plans follow the university’s improved performance in the UK 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. It moved up in the Times Higher Ranking from 63rd place in 2001 to equal 45th place in 2008, a jump of 18 places positioning the university in the top third of UK universities.

Prof Barnett added: “The university is rooted in the region and serves the region through its engagement with stakeholders across all aspects of its work, the quality of which is recognised internationally.

“Our recent upgrade to the Belfast campus has shown us that there is an enormous appetite for the University of Ulster’s programmes in central Belfast.”

He said a vibrant city centre location was important for architecture programmes among others.

He added: “Through this development the university is making a major contribution to the economic and cultural regeneration of the city’s north side, including the Cathedral Quarter, injecting vitality, energy and creativity into the once run-down 18th century heart of the city.

“This plan will help transform the Cathedral Quarter and surrounding areas into a dynamic cultural, creative and educational destination.”