THE University of Chester is considering putting academic buildings on land previously earmarked for its own student village.
Vice chancellor Tim Wheeler is not ruling out the 1,000-bed campus plan on land off Parkgate Road, but said an alternative would involve an expansion of academic facilities.
The Chronicle understands the buildings could be used for diabetes research.
In a statement, Prof Wheeler said: “A variety of alternative options remains under consideration for this site, including facilities which would support the university’s academic and research work and enhance the student experience at Chester.”
Quashing rumours, he added: “It is incorrect to suggest that the possibility of exploring student accommodation at some point in the future on the plot off Parkgate Road has been excluded.”
The university’s plans were touched on by Andy Scargill, of Parkgate Highfield Residents Group, when addressing campaigners opposed to Bell Developments’ plans for a larger 3,000-bed student village at Blacon.
Mr Scargill told a meeting at The Little Owl pub he recently met Prof Wheeler, adding: “Tim said the piece of land by the Esso garage, in his words, is too valuable to build student property on. He’s got in mind to build something bigger, which is a new department for the university.”
Mr Scargill also mentioned the university’s plans for 200-bed student accommodation on its main campus. “That will be for overseas students,” he said.
He claimed Prof Tim Wheeler told him there was insufficient demand for the large scheme being promoted by Bell and that student representatives were also puzzled.
“I know Tim Wheeler has been into the students’ union and they can’t see the sense in it,” he added.
