An artist's impression of West Slope from the air.

An artist's impression of West Slope from the observatory on the hill above, near Stanmer Park.

The University of Sussex has unveiled plans for new student housing and facilities on its campus at Falmer.

Together with contractor Balfour Beatty, the University has submitted a planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council for a new development that will double the amount of student housing on the University’s West Slope site. 

New community facilities and mixed-use spaces for all students will also be located in the development, which will contain a new health and wellbeing centre, a supermarket, café, additional study space in a new library, and an open area of flexible green space.

Tim Westlake, the University’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We want to ensure we continue to develop our housing stock to provide high-quality, modern homes for our students.

“Redeveloping the West Slope residences will provide up to 1,900 bedrooms – an increase of about 1,000 extra rooms.

“Following on from the East Slope residential development, which is due for completion by 2021, this further investment in our campus accommodation means that we will add to the range of student housing on campus.”

Around 20% of Sussex students have home addresses within commuting distance to the University’s Falmer campus and do not require University-operated housing.

The University will be sharing its plans with the local community on a number of information days, both on campus and in central Brighton:

• Bramber House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton – Tuesday 14 January
• Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton: Saturday 25-Sunday 26 January and Saturday 1 February

These public information days will give people a chance to look at the plans and discuss their thoughts.

The new buildings have been designed so that they respect and enhance the vision of the campus’ founding architect, Sir Basil Spence. Environmental sustainability, as well as maintaining the features of the unique landscape setting within the South Downs, is at the heart of the University’s plans. 

Subject to planning approval, work will begin on the site in summer 2020. The first phase will then be ready by autumn 2022, with all work completed by autumn 2025.