The Russell Partnership:  case studies:  Universities:  University of East Anglia:

University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is an internationally renowned university based in a campus that provides top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 13,000 students.

UEA is ranked amongst the top three for student satisfaction according to the first National Student Survey and in the top 20 in the UK by the Sunday Times. It also came top of the most recent research effectiveness league table published by Research Fortnight.

Located in 320 acres of rolling parkland but just two miles from the centre of the cathedral city of Norwich, the University is adjacent to the Norwich Research Park which is home to over 1,000 scientists working in several world ranked institutions.

The Russell Partnership was commissioned to develop a commercial catering strategy for the University of East Anglia campus. Following detailed qualitative and quantitative research, a commercial audit, space and financial modelling, a five year strategy was presented.

Within the strategy, the outlet architecture mapping exercise and the commercial audit identified both a geographical and commercial gap within the University’s Central Square catering provision.

When Lloyds Bank closed their branch at the University; this prime site was identified as the ideal location for a new Grab & Go food offer for students and staff.

Following the development of a Business Case presented by the Partnership, £120k of capital was approved – to design, fit out and launch a new outlet. The Partnership designed, built and launched Mango – the new in house deli brand.

The outlet achieved £1500 revenue per day during term time – this revenue was identified as new business. The projected payback period was projected at 2.2 years – and was delivered 1.2 years.

In addition to the development of Mango, the strategy indicated that the central catering facility required a total re-design in order to provide a facility with presence and identity within the University campus.

A design team, with David Bentley of the Partnership acting as project agent, was established and the detailed design commenced which was driven forward from drawing board to RIBA Stage E, detailed design, in only 16 weeks.

A key design element of the development is the addition of a full height glass atrium area to the front aspect of the building. This new atrium extends to the full three floors of the building and provides presence for the food hub at the heart of the campus and the identified increase in seating capacity.