Accompanied by the University's Chancellor and Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Dame Mary Fagan DCVO JP, His Royal Highness will be greeted by local Winchester dignitaries, the University's Chair of Governors Richard Wilkinson CVO, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter.
As well as taking a tour of the new facilities and unveiling a plaque, HRH will meet with students, attend a scheduled class and look at the installation of new artwork.
We're delighted The Earl of Wessex will be officially opening St Alphege, said Professor Joy Carter. The new building, together with its vibrant artwork, forms a striking focal point on campus and will add further to the first rate facilities for both staff and students.
St Alphege opened its doors to students this year, providing ten new lecture rooms as well as a mezzanine floor with open access PCs and social learning areas. The development has involved extensive hard and soft biodiverse landscaping, creating a central plaza area in the heart of the King Alfred campus.
The building has been designed by Design Engine Architects Ltd in Winchester who also created Winchester's award-winning University Centre and Performing Arts Studio building. In keeping with these, St Alphege is a low energy building with innovative eco-friendly features including a 'living' roof, absence detection, acoustic panelling, natural ventilation and thermal modelling. Work has also recently been completed on a glass atrium linking St Alphege to the existing St Edburga building.
The Earl of Wessex will complete his visit to the University of Winchester by attending a reception in the Vault at the University Centre.
Further information about programmes of study at the University of Winchester can be found on www.winchester.ac.uk
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