Contemporary: An artists impression of the new café between the red-brick arches at the south end of Arts A, due to open in the autumn term.
Work is planned this summer to create a brand-new café at the heart of campus and to refurbish a small number of existing cafés.
Construction work begins during the summer vacation at the south end of Arts A (where bike racks are currently located) to install glazing between the red-brick arches and create a contemporary café in keeping with the local architecture. This new outlet will open early in the autumn term.
Over the summer the cafés located in Chichester 1 and BSMS (Doctors' Orders) both undergo a make-over to enhance the customer experience. They will be closed for a brief period from mid August to enable refurbishment work to take place, reopening for the new academic year.
This investment is part of the catering strategy approved by Council in June 2008 following a major review of the University's catering and retail services in 2007, which included a consultative process involving over 600 students and a similar number of staff.
Based on the findings and recommendations of the review, Catering Services have been developing catering provision - with greater choice and a broader range of food provision (including healthier options); increased sustainability through supporting local suppliers; and the introduction of biodegradable packaging.
Recognition of the positive changes has been forthcoming from both students and staff, and also acknowledged externally with the presentation of a Good Egg Award from Compassion in World Farming.
The initial phase of capital works this summer is part of a major investment of £10m over the next two years. The catering plan consolidates the number of outlets, with fewer but larger cafés spread across the campus, in the optimum locations for different groups of staff and students.
In addition to improvements in the location and design of campus cafés, a major feature of the project is the modernisation of Bramber House, comprising the remodelling and refurbishment of both the ground and first floors and the installation of a new central kitchen.
The main aim of this investment is to enhance the experience of all customers on campus, including students, staff and visitors. Another key objective is to support Catering Services in continuing to deliver a financial surplus, ensuring reinvestment in the facilities in future years.
For details of campus cafés operated by Catering Services and their opening hours during the summer vacation refer to the catering website.