Dig underway for new Arts building at Canterbury Christ Church University

20th January 2017 administrator 295 Views

By Ellie Vasey

An archaeological exploration is underway before new Arts building development can begin.

The Arts building is intended to be the first released from the University’s Estate Strategy and will replace the car park on the Canterbury campus.

School of Media, Art and Design and School of Music and Performing Arts which are currently located at the Broadstairs campus will be housed here.

development — Archaeological dig at old cark park on university campus

The university is one of few in the UK situated in a UNESCO world heritage site in the historic city.

They are working closely with Historic England and Canterbury City Council to ensure plans are sensitive to historic surroundings.

development2 — The route thought to have been taken by Queen Bertha in the 6th century. (Image courtesy of University’s website.

The campus wants to re-establish access along this route from Canterbury’s Cathedral to St Martin’s Church via St Augustine’s Abbey.

The university have said they believe this development will be a “social heart for the Arts community and the university” and a “striking exemplar building at an important gateway into the campus.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5FWFTkKBXU

Visual tour of the future plans for the Canterbury campus. (Courtesy of CCCU’s website)

Development two will be a new academic facility in the prison quarter and development three will also celebrate the prisons building design.

See the university’s website for full plans