Developing the West Slope
Learn about how we are growing our campus.
Campus development
We’re investing in making the University of Sussex better. Through our campus development, we can maintain our position as one of the world’s leading academic institutions and attract and work with the best and brightest minds.
A better campus
Our experiences of study, work and life over the past few years have highlighted even more keenly the need to provide space that works for all our people – students and staff alike.
We’re investing in making our stunning 60-year-old campus better – with everything from big builds to small changes to our existing space and facilities. These will give us areas that work, providing modern spaces and keeping our historic campus beautiful for another 60 years.
Over the past five years, we have built 2,117 new bedrooms on campus, creating a new student village – East Slope – with a mixture of townhouses and flats as well as study spaces and social hubs. We have also opened the doors of our brand new Student Centre – a multipurpose learning and events space, which as well as being a new hub for student services, offers retail and leisure amenities.
Our next step is the most ambitious programme we have undertaken in recent years. The West Slope development will greatly enhance the student and academic experience, giving the University the infrastructure it needs to continue to be an internationally-recognised centre for excellence, as well as being a covetable place to live, work and forge connections.
Investing in the student experience
Read about our exciting new Student Centre.
Enhancing our landscape and environment
Explore our grand green spaces.
Preserving our architecture and heritage
Delve into our decades of history.
Latest news
Managing RAAC on campus – May 2025 Update
Posted on behalf of: Better Campus
Last updated: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
In 2022, RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)was found to have been used in the construction of several university buildings.
The safety of students and staff remains our top priority. Where necessary, safety measures such as scaffolding props were put in place and the condition of RAAC is regularly monitored. All buildings remain open and safe to use with access restrictions where necessary.
In 2024, two RAAC projects were completed. Bramber House RAAC roof panels were replaced, and reinforcement works took place in Mandela Hall, Falmer House.
The location and condition of RAAC is unique to each building, so where possible, RAACreplacement projects will be integrated into existing campus improvement plans, helping us to deliver the best solution for each building.
RAAC impacted buildings update
- Arts A: Safety measures in Arts A continue to be effective and will continue to be monitored regularly – the building remains open and safe to use. Exterior improvement works are required alongside RAAC replacement works. As Arts A is a Grade II* Listed building, planning permission has been secured in advance of scoping this work.
- Arundel: Safety measures in Arundel continue to be effective and will continue to be monitored regularly – the building remains open and safe to use.
- Bramber House: Following the successful replacement of RAAC panels on Bramber House roof, a small amount of RAAC was found during the refurbishment of Eat Central, which has now been supported.
- Chichester I: Safety measures in Chichester I continue to be effective and will continue to be monitored regularly – the building remains open and safe to use.
- Chichester II: Safety measures in Chichester II continue to be effective and will continue to be monitored regularly – the building remains open and safe to use.
- Falmer House: Work to reinforce the RAAC panels in Mandela Hall was completed in September 2024. Read more about the Falmer House improvement works on the Staff Hub.
- JMS: Safety measures in JMS continue to be effective and will continue to be monitored regularly – the building remains open and safe to use.
This information is correct at the time of publishing. But please note that all project work is fast-moving, and plans are subject to change. You can stay up to date with the latest on all of our projects through our Viva Engage communities, including: Creating a Better Campus; Food at Sussex; Transforming Sussex; Campus Travel and Transport