De Montfort progresses with 42 million pound redevelopment

Leicester’s De Montfort University is progressing with its 42 million pound Fletcher redevelopment, which will create a new cutting-edge home for the universities internationally-renowned schools of Art, Architecture and Design, which houses fashion and textiles.

The project, which started four months ago, has already stripped down the centrepiece Fletcher Tower for its complete refurbishment inside and out, while the surrounding Fletcher Low Rise buildings are being replaced with new structures.

In addition to a new building to house fashion, the university is also creating the Jonathan KS Choi Creative and Cultural Centre, which will provide a space for students and staff from around the globe to pursue study and research and stimulate and nurture creativity. The centre will also contain the innovative new home for the DMU Confucius Institute, which will promote Chinese language and culture.

Other changes to the area include the installation of a giant outdoor video screen on the side of the Fletcher Tower, and a "green lung" of open parkland along Mill Lane and down to the edge of the River Soar, creating a new gateway to the West End of the city.

Barbara Matthews, PVC Dean of the faculty of art, design and humanities, said: "I am inspired by the progress that has been made and we can now start to imagine the wonderful space and facilities our students will be able to enjoy."

Some courses will begin to move into the new building during the 2015/16 academic year with courses in Architecture, Art and Design moving in by the summer of 2016.

The work is being completed by Balfour Beatty.

Images: De Montfort University