Heslington East: the go-ahead
We have a policy in favour of the expansion as long as it is in the best interests of students. I think it will be an exciting time and process for the University, but also for the Union. The expansion allows the University and the Union to grow and improve its facilities and offerings.
Rich Croker, SU President
I feel that the single site argument is poor, and that undergraduates in particular will feel that they are in an academic Centerparc, a degree factory stranded from the life of the city. I was an undergraduate and graduate at York some 40 years ago and would not have relished such campus cocooning.
Jeffrey Stern Vice Chair, Heslington Village Trust
York is one of the best universities in Britain and it needs to grow in order to maintain this position.
We welcome today’s decision, particularly as it will enable the University to play an important role in the future prosperity of York and the UK as a whole. We also appreciate the opportunity to increase our capacity for world-leading research and welcome a greater diversity of students to York. The University’s growth will bring substantial economic, environmental, recreational and cultural benefits for Yorkshire and beyond. We are working with the community to make sure that these benefits are maximised and can be shared by everyone.
Heslington East is a focus for optimism for the city’s future and for the region.
Brian Cantor Vice Chancellor of York
Rather than trying to oppose [Hes East] at such a late stage, we are trying to make sure that it is built in the best way possible. There are two strands to this: one is about it being “environmentally friendly” and the other is about having good student services.
This must stop. Heslington East brings a unique opportunity to make York a leading light for academic standards and environmental sustainability. Let’s make it good.
Students are underinformed about this important issue which will undoubtedly affect us.
Laura Murphy People & Planet
The process has been an expensive way of failing to find the optimum solution for the community. We were reassured during the inquiry that the University wanted to be a good neighbour, a solid citizen and a good example of an environmentally aware developer. So rather than pushing ahead with the outline plans as submitted, maybe the University could now engage again with all parties and seek a consensus.
The scheme is unimaginative and environmentally unsound.
Dr Richard Firn Biology Department
