- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
17 Sep 2007 13:50:28
A new £20m residence block for students which will open in Bedford this week is set to form an important part of the county’s bid to host an Olympic team during the 2012 Games.
The University of Bedfordshire’s 517 bed en-suite halls, called Liberty Park, is expected to accommodate athletes if Bedfordshire is accepted as a pre-Games training camp.
Professor Kate Jacques, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Bedford campus, said: “The opening of the facility is a major boost for students, but also the region, as it plays a big part in the county's potential hosting of a Pre-Olympic Games Training Camp. This is combined with our state-of-the-art Physical Education and Sport Science Centre, which has also been put forward as a training facility during the 2012 Games.
“Liberty Park provides quality accommodation in a safe and comfortable environment. It has all the security our students and Olympic athletes need, including a comprehensive CCTV system monitoring the site, electronic entry systems for access to and from the residence, and a manned reception area 24-hours a day for maximum security.
“It is also within easy reach of transport links and close to the town centre allowing easy access to shops and the town’s social scene.”
The new residence is part of the £34m transformation of the Bedford campus, which will officially be opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex, on 22 October. He will tour the new campus facilities and enjoy dance and gymnastics displays, as well as demonstrations of the equipment in the new science laboratories.
Other new facilities include the Campus Centre housing a £4.5million theatre, to replace the old Bowen West Theatre in Lansdowne, a studio performance space, conference and catering facilities. The £8million Physical Education and Sport Science Centre features state-of-the-art sports science labs and two new, fully-equipped gymnasiums.
All rooms in Liberty Park are fitted with an en-suite shower room and toilet, telephone and internet points. The residence also provides spacious communal lounges and fully-fitted kitchens. There are on-site laundry facilities and purpose built rooms for students with disabilities. A management and maintenance team will also be based on site.
The University is a key partner of the Bedfordshire Olympic Opportunities Support Team, which along with other representatives from across the county is bidding for a pre-Games training camp to be based in Bedfordshire, to ensure the county plays its part in the 2012 London Olympics.
The decision regarding which areas have been successful in bidding for an Olympic training camp is expected to be announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) early next year.
For further information about Liberty Park call 01234 793118 or visit www.beds.ac.uk/accommodation/bedford
Latest news» 2007» September» New residence block boosts Bedfordshire’s Olympic bid
