New student halls officially opened

Posted 12 October 2010

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A new accommodation block for first year students has been officially opened today at Harper Adams, thanks to a significant donation from the Silcock family.

The project, costing around £1.3m, was completed both on time and on budget and has been named after the family of the late Richard (Dick) Silcock of R Silcock and Sons, with whom the University College in Shropshire shares a close affiliation.

This halls of residence provides an additional 48 self-catered rooms on campus, enhancing the high quality student facilities already in high demand at Harper Adams thanks to 655 students now living on site.

Today the family visited the new construction and met with Principal, Dr David Llewellyn, Estates and Facilities Manager, Paul Moran, current residents of Silcock Hall and other invited guests.

Paul Moran, said: “Once again, with developers Pochin PLC, we have delivered a project on time and on budget while minimising disruption to the University College.

“Their project management and build quality are excellent. Before the build began, Harper carried out a lot of research into what students wanted so these new facilities are state-of-the art to meet the needs of today’s students.”

Not only has the family supported the development of accommodation at the University College, but they have also funded research with the sponsorship of a postgraduate research student. This is currently Gemma Charlton, who is investigating the welfare implications of grazing high-yielding dairy cows.

Dr David Llewellyn, said: “I would very much like to thank the Silcock family, not only for their very generous donation towards the cost of the new halls, but for their support of Harper Adams during the years.

“The University College provides an excellent learning experience, with high quality facilities, proven by the fact that this is the fourth year in a row that we have been named University College of the Year by the Sunday Times University Guide.

“These factors have meant that there has been an unprecedented rise in demand for places here – with applications for 2010 up by 35% on the previous year.  Harper Adams also enjoys great success in graduate employability with a top ten league table position.

“Our aim is to give students the best possible experience and Silcock Hall will add enormously to our ability to achieve this objective.”