Former Gloucester Debenhams reborn as low-carbon city campus which is driving a sustainable future

As sculptures are unpacked on student site, we go behind the scenes to discover how ambition is driving the solutions at the University of Gloucestershire

A landmark regeneration project has transformed the former Debenhams department store in Gloucester’s Kings Square into the University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus - a flagship development showcasing the institution’s ambitions for a low-carbon, future-ready estate.

The project represents a major milestone in a multi-year collaboration with the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, through which our team has played a key role in supporting the university’s journey to net zero. 

For several years, we have worked closely with university leaders to secure and deliver Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding, helping shape the energy-efficiency strategy behind one of the region’s most significant redevelopments.

To see first-hand how this work is transforming the estate, our team, including client support officer Anna Kuratnikova and assistant director Simon Pettett, visited the City Campus and Oxstalls sites. 

The visit offered a unique opportunity to witness the impact of the decarbonisation programme, from the installation of air-source heat pumps to the upgraded Building Energy Management Systems that are improving performance across the university’s estate.

It was an inspiring moment for the team, particularly as the visit coincided with the arrival of part of the university’s renowned art collection, including works by celebrated sculptor Ivor Abrahams. 

The collection, which also features major modern British artists such as Bridget Riley, Frank Auerbach and Peter Blake, will be showcased within the new campus for the benefit of students and the wider community.

The City Campus project has faced and overcome substantial challenges, including the discovery of 317 skeletons and Roman artefacts during redevelopment, but the university is clear that the result is a modern, energy-efficient hub for learning, research and climate leadership.

During the tour, we were joined by senior campus development manager Sam Williams and former project lead Dr Jon Furley, who guided us through the sustainability features integrated into the redevelopment. We were able to view the rooftop heat pumps, explore an unfitted teaching floor, and learn more about the newly installed Crittall Windows, which enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency while preserving the building’s 1930s heritage.

Our role in supporting the university’s decarbonisation ambitions also extends beyond the City Campus. During our visit to Oxstalls, we were able to see the replacement of outdated gas boilers with low-carbon heat pumps and view the busy plant room now powering the site.

The university has secured extensive funding with our support. This includes £3.3 (£3,023,500.00) million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme in 2022 for heat-decarbonisation measures at the City Campus, building on a £1.24 million award in 2021 for improvements across its estate. In total, nearly £10 million in decarbonisation work is now underway across the university, backed by more than £5.2 (£4.9m including LCSF) million in grant funding. These measures are expected to deliver annual carbon savings of over 883 tonnes of CO₂.

Three Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme projects – 2, 3a, 3c - form the backbone of this work, complemented by an additional £114,000 from the Low Carbon Skills Fund, which supported essential preparatory and design activity.

With City Campus now open, the university is looking firmly ahead to a future defined by sustainability leadership, climate-focused research and ongoing decarbonisation. Our continued partnership will play a key role in supporting these ambitions and ensuring that the university’s estate remains a national example of low-carbon transformation.

Chief financial officer Camille Stallard said: “We are delighted to have been able to use Salix funding to support the development of our new City Campus in the heart of Gloucester. 

“This investment has enabled us to restore key parts of the former Debenhams building, protecting its historic character while transforming it into a vibrant university campus, fit for future generations.

“A particular highlight has been the careful refurbishment of the original 1930s display windows. These have been faithfully recreated by Crittall Windows, the original supplier. This is a great example of how careful craftsmanship has allowed us to honour the heritage of this much-loved landmark while creating a modern, energy-efficient space for our students, staff and the wider community.

“We have also used the funding to replace outdated gas boilers with a new air-source heat pump, which is playing a key role in the building’s decarbonisation.”

Our Salix assistant director Simon Pettett, said: “It’s inspiring to see how far the university has come and how the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has triggered a range of creative developments here at Gloucester.”

Anna added: “It’s been nothing short of remarkable, City Campus was once a city centre department store and today it has become a true community hub.

“The university still has a distance to travel, but thanks to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the pace has been set.”