Our campus park

Introducing a new green heart for the University of Plymouth

Artist's impression of the University of Plymouth campus park

The University of Plymouth is working with Cullinan Studios and Planit to create a new park on our city centre campus, where the former Brunel Building has been demolished. The aim is to transform this 0.66 hectare site into a new green heart for our University.

The design of our campus park seeks to celebrate the University's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the wilderness of Dartmoor National Park, within the wider environment of Devon and Cornwall. The concept uses the natural slope of the site, from north to south, moving between the open spaces of a tor and common, through to meadow, woodland and vale, reflecting the rich tapestry of diverse landscapes that help attract people to this area.

Like the University itself, the park is an opportunity for adventure and exploration.

Access for all

The park design is fully accessible and responds to the five-metre level change from top to bottom. Different elevations are connected in ways that ensure students, staff, and visitors of all abilities can move freely across the site.

Sustainability

The new campus park is an opportunity to mirror the University’s commitment to sustainability as an embedded principle across everything we do and symbolise our reintegration with the environment. It mustn’t rely on outdated solutions but embrace a forward-looking approach.

Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the park will pioneer 21st century design, embodying a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.

Historical context

Creating a significant new open space has been an ambition in our campus masterplan since it was first launched in 2017.

Plymouth's urban environment has changed a lot over time, especially given the huge damage the city suffered during the Second World War. Historic maps show the location of Portland Square – a significant green asset in the area. With redevelopment after the war, this space has been lost.

By removing the Brunel building and replacing it with a park, this green space will be revived in a new form – an open space for staff, students, and local people to enjoy.

Responding to a changing climate

Climate change in the UK means that we will have hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters in the years to come.

The park's design responds to our changing climate with a space that provides shade and shelter, accommodates heavy rainfall events, and has resilient plant species that can survive these changes.

Reusing materials

The park offers a sustainable approach to construction. Where possible, salvaged elements from the Brunel Building are being retained and reimagined for landscaping, paving, or as structural features.

By reusing materials, the project will reduce carbon emissions and waste, and promote environmental stewardship, while integrating unique textures and forms into the park.

Planting and landscaping

Lawned areas will serve as open, flexible spaces for recreation, events, and casual gatherings, providing a smooth, green surface that invites play and relaxation.

Layered landscapes, such as tiers of shrubs, perennials, and trees, will add depth and visual interest while supporting biodiversity and creating microclimates that will make it a more comfortable place for people.

And where just one tree stood at the northeastern corner of Brunel, dozens of trees will join it as part of the new park. These will include a high percentage of native species to contribute towards increased biodiversity, as well as a range of ornamental species to demonstrate variety in form, texture, colour, and seasonal interest across the site.

Artist's impression of the University's new campus park

The University of Plymouth’s new campus park is scheduled to open at the end of summer 2025

Campus masterplan: re-imagining the next generation campus

This park is part of a 10-year masterplan that will revitalise our campus and its surrounding area. This includes the development of new teaching, learning, research, social and green spaces, as well as the maintenance and refurbishment of our existing space as we seek to enhance our sense of place and the public realm, improve navigability and promote our leading sustainability values and net zero carbon goals.

Find out more about the masterplan