The University of Wolverhampton to name the new business building after Lord Paul
The University of Wolverhampton’s new business school development is to be named the Lord Swraj Paul Building.
The £18 million project is a six-storey facility located in Molineux Street, Wolverhampton and will provide teaching and social learning space for The University of Wolverhampton Business School.
It was revealed during the building’s official topping out ceremony that it will be named after the University’s Chancellor, Lord Paul of Marylebone PC when it opens in October.
Lord Paul has been Chancellor since 1999 and is Chairman of the Caparo Group, a UK based industrial company with operations in Europe, Asia and North America.
University staff were joined by members of the project team, business leaders and the Mayor of Wolverhampton at the ceremony which was followed by a sneak preview of the progress of construction including opportunities to tour parts of the interior.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “Lord Paul has been our Chancellor for a number of years now and recently committed to continuing in that position. He has done a lot for the University in that time and supported us tremendously, both here in the UK and internationally.
“He has truly been a great ambassador for the University and we feel it is right to mark his contribution in this way by naming the building after him. His story is inspiring and one our students who will be learning about business can take heart from in terms of him building up his business from next to nothing into a multi-million pound global operation.
“It is fantastic to see the progress of the building and it really taking shape on the skyline of Wolverhampton.
“Being able to see inside it really gives you a feel of what a great addition it will be to the University, its staff and students and to the city and we cannot wait for it to open and be buzzing with activity. It will provide even more opportunities in business education on all levels from undergraduate right through to working directly with professionals on their own development.”
The building is being constructed by Interserve Construction, was designed by architects Sheppard Robson and the build is being project managed by Gardiner & Theobald, with engineering services provided by Arup.
Simon Butler, Interserve Divisional Director, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this fantastic new business school, helping to create and shape the future.”
When complete, the new facility in Molineux Street will provide teaching and social learning space for The University of Wolverhampton Business School with the aim of adding to its growing reputation and engagement with the business community in the region.
Included in the proposed new building will be an executive education suite, innovative teaching and learning spaces, an IT suite, consulting rooms and a central social space and café.
The University of Wolverhampton has campuses in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford and education centres in Stafford, Burton and Birmingham City Centre. The University has 23,000 students and 2,400 staff. In addition, the University of Wolverhampton Science Park is home to tenant businesses and supports the development of innovative companies. The University enroles students from around the world and has regional offices in China, Malaysia, India, Oman, Nigeria and Cyprus. It has a branch campus in Mauritius and courses are also delivered with global partners in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, France and Cyprus
It is investing £50 million over the next two years to redevelop its campuses in Wolverhampton city centre. This includes a new £22 million Science facility and a new £18 million University of Wolverhampton Business School building.
The institution’s excellent teaching and learning provision, which spans sciences, creative and performing arts, education, business and management, health and wellbeing, engineering and technology, law and social sciences, ensures 94% of graduates find employment.
Of the 13 subject areas entered in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014, all had elements graded at the highest level as being world class. The University also entered more staff and more subject areas for assessment than previously.
In 2015 the University of Wolverhampton was awarded the highest possible accolade in the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) higher education review. The report highlighted areas of good practice such as initiatives to raise aspirations and achievement for students and the University’s commitment to enhancing their employment prospects.