These are the first images of a university’s multi-million pound reredevelopment plans.

The blueprints for the University of Sussex’s Falmer Campus were submitted to councils for approval on December 20.

If accepted, they will see a near 50 per cent increase in students.

As well as new accommodation, bars and cafes, there are plans for academic buildings and outdoor space.


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Roger Fitzgerald, from ADPArchitects, said the proposals would provide “fantastic new facilities for teaching and learning”.

The masterplan, which is expected to be delivered over five years, will see an increase in student numbers from 13,000 to 18,000.

An extra 1,408 residences would be included on the East Slope side of the campus with another 1,122 on the West Slope.

Nearly 800 off-campus units have already been agreed by the council at London Road and Pelham Street with a further 700 planned to be included on retained land.

In total 4,022 new student bedrooms will be built.

The plans show a glass fronted building housing cafes and bars as the main focal point of the campus’s student village.

There will also be an underground car park to accommodate staff and students without taking up extra space.

Mr Fitzgerald said a common theme would see the integration of trees and foliage with views between buildings looking out across to the Downs.

He added the “unsightly” Science Car Park would be demolished and replaced with a new science and academic buildings along with a new quadrangle.

The plans have been submitted to both Lewes District Council and Brighton and Hove City Council for approval.

A decision date has been set for April 25.

Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chancellor, said the plans reflected concerns previously expressed about the pressure on housing in the city.

He said: “When we showed our plans to councillors back in November, they recognised the need for the continued development of the University and the significant contribution that we make to the local economy and culture of Brighton and Hove.

“As the university looks forward to continued growth in the next five years to 2018 and now sits alongside the South Downs National Park, the sensitive development of the Sussex campus is more critical than ever.”