Willmott Dixon is set to start construction on the University of Exeter’s new Multi-Faith Centre in summer 2023, all built to Passivhaus standard
Willmott Dixon has enabled the University of Exeter to secure planning permission for a new Multi-Faith Centre at Streatham Campus.
With Exeter City Council giving the planning green light to the centre, Willmott Dixon will now work with the university to complete detailed designs for the building ready for construction to start in summer this year.
The new Multi-Faith Centre will offer a variety of communal spaces
The Multi-Faith Centre will replace the existing Muslim prayer rooms and multi-faith spaces in the Old Library with a 50 person Muslim prayer space and a multi-faith space.
It will also house communal meeting space, a kitchen, a dedicated office for the Multifaith Chaplaincy Team, a Changing Places facility and an external terrace area.
Shraddha Chaudhary, assistant director for culture and inclusion at the University of Exeter said: “We are really excited to progress our plans for the new Multi-Faith Centre. The University is committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion and developing cultural competence working with partners across Exeter and Cornwall, and the wider region.”
Sustainable materials and technology will be used in construction
Sustainability and reducing carbon emissions are fundamental to the design of the new Multi-Faith Centre, which aims to achieve the Passivhaus standard.
Features include the use of highly efficient porotherm blocks, air source heat pumps and PV panels on the building’s roof.
Willmott Dixon has been working with a professional team, that includes Faithful and Gould, Group Emmett Design, SE3Design, Sands, SDS and ARUP.
Bringing sustainable design and community benefit to the University
Rob Woolcock, director at Willmott Dixon commented: “Having worked with the University of Exeter on a number of projects, we are looking forward to delivering this new and inclusive Multi-Faith Centre and supporting the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, culture and heritage of its students and the wider community.
This project aligns with our commitment to push the boundaries of sustainable design construction and operation of building.”
