Set to open in 2028, the state-of-the-art Health building at the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus will serve as an innovative hub, equipping future professionals with the expertise and competencies needed to excel in the health and social care sector.
Shaping the future
The University has embarked on a comprehensive, long-term programme to enhance and expand its de Havilland and College Lane campuses in Hatfield. This forward-thinking initiative aims to meet the evolving needs of both the institution and its community, ensuring preparedness for the dynamic and complex world of tomorrow. As part of these transformative plans, outdated facilities will be replaced, including the development of a masterplan for the College Lane Campus and the proposed construction of a cutting-edge, 11,400m² Health building. Designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of students, the forthcoming Health building will feature essential teaching facilities for specialised fields such as nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, physiotherapy, social work, and optometry. The University's graduates will be providing critical skills across these disciplines, playing a vital role in supporting the National Health Service's long-term workforce plan to meet the rising demand for medical and healthcare professionals nationwide. This exceptional facility will not only elevate the learning experience for Herts’ community but also extend its positive impact to the wider region and beyond.
Our plans for the building
The proposed Health building would reach a height of up to six storeys, harmonising with the scale of nearby structures and designed to remain below the height of Spectra at its tallest point. The new facility would offer over 11,400m2 of floorspace and is planned to include various practical spaces for teaching clinical skills, such as general teaching rooms, laboratories, and specialist facilities for radiography training.
The proposals aim to enhance campus accessibility by introducing an external route through the building, along with an out-of-hours lift to address the level change from west to east, making navigation easier for those who face challenges with the campus's varying elevations. A comprehensive soft landscaping plan and new tree planting will accompany the development, alongside opportunities to enhance biodiversity on-site, with the project ensuring at least a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
Rivington Street Studio Architects (RSS) with Atkins Realis (AR), have been appointed by the University of Hertfordshire to develop the designs for the new building and a planning application will be submitted in Spring 2025. Below you can find information about the consultation, which outlines the details of the proposed plans.
