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
Transforming shared spaces and sparking conversation – the role of art on our campus
By: Maddie Appleby
Last updated: Friday, 23 May 2025
We are commissioning a new public artwork on our West Slope development, continuing a rich tradition of art on campus.
A distinctive campus
The original University of Sussex campus was designed by renowned architect Sir Basil Spence. Featuring reflective moats, vaulted arches and courtyards, several buildings are recognised for their architectural significance as Listed buildings and are artworks in their own right.
Beyond our buildings, campus landscape architect, Dame Sylvia Crowe, believed that the space between the buildings was as important as the buildings themselves, and her legacy surrounds us in our tree lines and use of soft landscaping.
Public art at Sussex
Our campus buildings and grounds are designed to enrich the lived environment and honour the natural world, and public art further enhances its distinctive character. Paintings, murals, sculptures - and more - adorn walls, lawns and courtyards, creating a sense of belonging and enhancing the overall ambience and experience of campus.
Sussex is proud of its tradition of public artworks – from permanent installations, to hosting touring exhibits, to the commissioning of new works, public art is part of our past, present and future. With a new artwork being commissioned on our West Slope development, we continue to place great value in the role of art in our community.
Dr Joanna Pawlik, Senior Lecturer in Art History and Head of Department for Art History at Sussex, said: ‘Public artworks enrich our surroundings, transform shared spaces, broaden access to art, and spark conversation within communities.
Commissioning this new public artwork is both a reflection and a driver of the University of Sussex's commitment to culture, creativity, and community, and their vital role in our future.’
West Slope public art
Want to share your thoughts on our next public artwork on campus? Visit our display in the Library until Sunday 1 June, to see the early concept designs by five shortlisted artists.
All feedback will be collated and shared with a panel of representatives from the University and Brighton & Hove City Council before a final concept design is selected and worked into a final design.