De Montfort University

From grey to green – the transformation of a city centre campus

De Montfort University’s (DMU) campus is a city centre campus with public access which presents challenges for biodiversity and managing green space, but the university is committed to enhancing biodiversity across its site.

In 2015 the university undertook a Campus Redevelopment. Through the £70m project the university reconfigured the Fletcher Complex to create a new building for the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities; enhancement of the recently created pedestrianised area at the heart of the Campus; demolition of 1 Mill Lane Science Block and Technical Studies Building to create a new green public open space; completion of the refurbishment of 1 Mill Lane Main Building; and the introduction of further public realm improvements. Through the project the amount of green space on campus was significantly increased with the creation of a green lung in the heart of the campus.

Through a range of different mechanisms and interventions including campus developments, engagement initiatives and student volunteering the campus has been transformed into a campus of greenery, biodiversity, and pleasant public realm for all to enjoy.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We have found that it is very important to have good coordination across the institution to make progress on biodiversity. This includes linking up the Projects Team, Grounds Maintenance and Faculty staff.
2. We have found that there are opportunities to use the campus as a living lab and use the green spaces to support research projects.
3. We have found that social media is an extremely useful way of disseminating information on the work of the university and its approach to biodiversity.