London Met unveils £125m campus plans, hints at move away from staff office hours in ‘new digital focus’
An artist's impression of the new campus (Picture: London Met University) - Credit: Archant
London Metropolitan University has unveiled plans for its new £125million Islington campus, which will coincide with a “major reorganisation” of its four faculties.
An artist's impression of the new courtyard (Picture: London Met University) - Credit: Archant
In a statement this afternoon, uni chiefs hinted staff office hours could be replaced in part by working from home via the web and hot-desking when they do need to be on-campus.
As part of its “new way of doing things”, the university will reshuffle its faculties into six new schools.
“The university will move to an agile working model,” said a spokesman, “an innovative approach that provides more freedom for staff about when and where they work.
“It is a digital-focused model where the emphasis is on outcomes rather than office hours.”
Meanwhile the campus plans, outlined in artists’ impressions, involve a “central plaza” which includes a café, gallery and performance spaces.
An artist's impression of the proposed new grad centre (Picture: London Met University) - Credit: Archant
Teaching facilities will surround the plaza, which will be connected to surrounding streets.
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The plans have been drawn up following more than 30 consultations with staff, students and the public.
Vice chancellor John Raftery said: “We are excited to begin this work and create something very special in Islington.
“This is a time of exciting change for London Met. We are effectively creating a new higher education offering in Islington, all based around an inspiring campus.”
The university attracted criticism when plans to close its centres in Moorgate and Whitechapel were revealed in October, with Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs one of the most vocal critics of the move. Staff and students alike have also demonstrated against the proposals since their announcement.
But the university has been undeterred in its plans to bring all of its faculties together – business and law; art, architecture and design; life sciences and computing; and social sciences and humanities.
Mr Raftery said: “We are creating a university that is fit to meet the needs of its time.”
