Monthly Archives: June 2017

Ready, steady… landscape!

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The first steps towards creating the Green Heart that will transform the centre of campus pick up pace next month. You may have already noticed lots more activity around the former library, this is because we are now taking down two buildings that comprise the structure. Demolition work will be carried out between 08:00 and 17:00 on weekdays, however there is a chance that some work may take place on weekends. The entire building will be taken down and completed in October.

When it comes to making the space a green oasis, the first two phases of landscaping will take place from September 2017 – January 2018, and then February – June 2018, in University Square. The section of University Square closest to the Arts Building and the former library will be transformed from July, with the section closest to Staff House focused on from November. As a result, areas of University Square will be cordoned off at different times, and mesh hoardings will be erected in early August.

Accessibility around the landscaping site will be maintained throughout the works with the installation of temporary ramp systems and new pathways. This will ensure that everyone can navigate the new routes easily and safely.

To help you navigate the changes, look out for directional signage in University Square, Arts Building and Muirhead Tower. Make sure you follow us on Twitter for the latest updates and, check out our new landscaping webpage for weekly building reports.

Phase 1
Phase 2

The Big Sleuth at UoB

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If you go down to University of Birmingham’s campus this summer, you’re in for a bear-illiant surprise!

This summer the University of Birmingham is delighted to be supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, in collaboration with Wild in Art, to host The Big Sleuth. We are sponsoring three bear sculptures to raise awareness and funds for the charity.

From 10 July – 17 September, three paw-some bears will be hidden across our campus, but will you be able to find them? Use your bear-y good detective skills by following our interactive trail to complete your mission and become a super-sleuth. We even have a watchful bear overseeing the creation of the Green Heart throughout the summer! As well as an interactive trail, we will be hosting an array of family events to keep little cubs entertained this holiday! All our events are free, so why not come and discover all the University has to offer including some of Birmingham’s finest cultural assets.

Head to our website now to get ready!

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Come and find me this summer at UoB

Sizzling summer solstice

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This Wednesday (21 June), we are celebrating the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when the UK will get to bask in 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight… and I mean bask! In March we published a blog post about the beginning of Spring, during which we were in the midst of what seemed to be a monsoon, but this week, we are experiencing a sizzling heatwave; far more apt to begin the start of summer.

As summer kicks-in, our natural environment begins to blossom and is transformed into a tapestry of colour and textures. At the University, it also marks the departure of our students and the end of the academic year. As agreed at the beginning of the Green Heart  construction scheduling, all major demolition and construction work would take place outside of term time to limit disturbance to our students. Therefore, you may have noticed lots more activity around the former library? This is because we are now taking down two buildings that comprise the structure. From July, we will also be landscaping the first part of University Square. During this time, there will be noticeable noise on campus and temporary footpaths will be created. But, this will enable us to ensure that in summer 2019, the Green Heart can blossom with the rest of campus!

We will keep you up-to-date with all the works taking place this summer across our channels, and with information boards in University Square, so make sure you stay in touch:

Visit the Green Heart website.

Find detailed information about build developments, important milestones, FAQs and much more on the Intranet.

Follow us on Twitter.

Email us at greenheart@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Work commences
A new beginning
Transforming campus

Car park closure – Don’t get caught out

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Important Notice
North Car Park Closure

Following degree congregations, North Car Park will permanently close after Thursday 13 July. This will enable us to progress plans to create 12 acres of stunning parkland at the centre of campus. The Green Heart will create a unique space for performances, socialising, meeting and studying for students, staff and the local community when completed in 2019.

Car parking spaces will return to pre-closure capacity over the next 6 months, with long-term plans to reinstate a new multi-storey car park. In the interim we advise parking in the North East multi-storey, Pritchatts Road car park and Pritchatts Park Village. For further information on alternative parking sites head to the car park website.

Need more Information?
Car park website
carparking@bham.ac.uk
0121 414 2623

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Don’t get caught out, find a new car park spot today

Experience the Green Heart in 360

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Last weekend the Green Heart team were out on the road at the Selly Oak Festival and the University of Birmingham Community Festival, spreading the word about the Green Heart transformation taking place on campus. We gave people the opportunity to be transported to 2019 with one of our VR headsets and explore the Green Heart from every angle. Among the ‘wows’ and gasps as the VR appeared before people’s eyes, we answered questions about the development and took more ideas on board.

Didn’t get the chance to see us? You can experience the Green Heart at home in 360 now! We’ve captured key areas of the Green Heart in 360 to allow you to explore your new space all the way from Old Joe, across to the Library and Arts Building, and up to the North Gate. Head to our website for the full experience. VR headsets are compatible with the images as well.

‘Can’t wait to bring a picnic’
‘Wow… What a great use of space’
‘It will be an oasis in the city’
‘It’s amazing’

The Green Heart team on the road… again

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As well as attending the Selly Oak Festival this Saturday, the Green Heart team will also be making an appearance at the University’s Community Festival on Sunday 11 June! Travel around the world with the University of Birmingham and get hands-on with our research discoveries locally, nationally and globally. With more than 100 FREE events and activities all over campus for the whole family, you won’t want to miss this year’s spectacular event. There’s something for everyone this year:

✓ FREE interactive talks, activities and live music
✓ FREE kid’s activities including soft play area
✓ FREE fun fair rides and circus performers
✓ Find out about studying and working at the University
✓ Indulge in treats from the farmers market and street food stalls

You will find the Green Heart team in the Aston Webb reception from 11:00 – 16:00. We will be giving you the opportunity to experience the Green Heart in 360 Virtual Reality before it’s even built! Be transported to 2019 with one of our VR headsets and explore the Green Heart from every angle, and take a walk through what the campus will become. Our team will also be on-hand to answer all your questions about the parkland, and you can get your hands on promotional materials including a pair of VR goggles to take home. Get a sneak peek of what to expect online now. We can’t wait to see you.

Marvel
Explore

The Green Heart team on the road…

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This year, the University of Birmingham are sponsoring the annual Selly Oak Festival on Saturday 10 June. Held at Selly Oak Park from 11:00 – 15:00, the Festival brings local people together from the surrounding communities, including the University, which sits alongside Selly Oak, with many of its students making this vibrant area their home. The fun packed day will boast activities for all ages including a children’s football tournament, fair ground rides, face painter, a BBQ and much more!

You can also come down and see the Green Heart team. We will be giving you the opportunity to experience the Green Heart in 360 Virtual Reality before it’s even built! Be transported to 2019 with one of our VR headsets and explore the Green Heart from every angle, and take a walk through what the campus will become. Our team will also be on-hand to answer all your questions about the parkland, and you can get your hands on promotional materials including a pair of VR goggles to take home. Get a sneak peek of what to expect online now. We can’t wait to see you.

festival

Free family fun this weekend