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Students help turn historic campus building into a new postgraduate hub

26 January 2023

 

Teesside University students have collaborated with designers and architects to help create an innovative new space on campus.

Marek Jaakson, Ellie McLernon, Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Page, Director of Student and Library Services Rosie Jones, Postgraduate Data Science student Anatolii Kolesov and Students' Union President (Education) Eby Eldho.
Marek Jaakson, Ellie McLernon, Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Page, Director of Student and Library Services Rosie Jones, Postgraduate Data Science student Anatolii Kolesov and Students' Union President (Education) Eby Eldho.

The facility, unveiled this week, was created in consultation with students at the University, transforming the former buttery building into an exciting and vibrant space exclusively for postgraduate students.

Once the dining hall of the former Victorian grammar school in Middlesbrough, the building has now been given a new lease of life. Designed by Durham-based Howarth Litchfield Architects and delivered by Esh Construction, the project has restored the building’s heritage with a contemporary twist.

Named The Buttery in a nod to its history, the £5m development on the Middlesbrough campus now provides a dedicated space for postgraduate students and researchers to study, collaborate and socialise at university.

Several Teesside University postgraduate students were involved in the project and regularly devoted their time to share their ideas, attend site visits and meet with the architects.

The students’ vision was for a professional space suitable for meetings, studying, and collaboration with their peers. As a result, The Buttery features individual and group workspaces in stylish New York apartment-style interior.

There are quiet study zones, media booths, soundproof rooms and state-of-the-art digital facilities, as well as a social lounge, breakout spaces and refreshment facilities.

Among the students’ requests was that the space be accessible 24/7, offering ultimate flexibility for postgraduate students. The University accommodated this with secure access for students at any time.

Marek Jaakson, 44 and originally from Estonia, studied MSc Accounting and Finance as a mature student. As Chief Financial Officer for Middlesbrough charity MAIN, Marek recognised the importance of needing a professional environment to prepare students for the next stage of their careers.

He said: “The library at Teesside is perfect – it’s welcoming and cosy and has something for everyone. But as a PhD or master’s student, you need something additional as preparation for the next level.

“I felt it was important to have professional spaces for meetings and quiet spaces for study. But the space should also be relaxing because you will spend so much time here as a postgraduate student.

“I’m really proud to have been a part of The Buttery project. Looking around the building, you can see our ideas have been taken on board by the architects. It’s given us a chance to be a part of the University’s history and help shape the experience for future generations.”

The Buttery is an inspiring and innovative space for our postgraduate student community that will ensure they get the very best university experience

Malcolm Page

Ellie McLernon, 23, from Middlesbrough, studied both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Teesside. Ellie is now working as an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS and hopes that current Teesside University students take full advantage of the new facilities.

She commented: “It’s important for postgraduate students to have quiet, independent study spaces, but also spaces to collaborate with others. The finished space incorporates something to suit everyone’s needs and I hope current students take advantage of the facilities available.”

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) at the University, said: “The University is committed to providing the very best student experience, and that is why it is so important that our students have the opportunity to contribute to projects and decisions that ultimately affect them.

“Thanks to the valued input of our students, this modern and flexible space will help ensure our postgraduate community continues to thrive here at Teesside.”

Paul Waller, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “The inspiration taken from students has helped bring this heritage building into use for 21st century times, and critically ensures it is a space which meets the needs of the end user. To support this initiative, Esh employed a Teesside University project management master’s student to complete a three-month paid internship throughout the scheme.”

The Buttery is the latest project to be completed as part of Teesside University’s ambitious Campus Masterplan, which has seen £275m invested to date.

The Campus Masterplan sets out a dynamic and ambitious programme of investment to 2027, transforming the campus and providing vibrant and modern facilities to enhance the experience of students, staff and partners.

Currently in progress is BIOS, a new state-of-the-art medical and science facility in the heart of the Middlesbrough campus. With cutting-edge laboratories and simulation environments, BIOS will modernise the learning experience for the next generation of healthcare professionals in the region.

Malcolm Page, Chief Operating Officer at Teesside University, added: “Teesside is a forward-looking, global university and we are committed to providing a campus environment that continues to attract students from around the world.

“The Buttery is an inspiring and innovative space for our postgraduate student community that will ensure they get the very best university experience.”


In the News

University students help turn historic campus building into a new postgraduate hub
Tees Business, Web, 27/01/2023
Teesside University students have collaborated with designers and architects to help create an innovative new space on campus.

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