University Campus Set to Open Following Delays Caused by Human Remains

The Vice Chancellor of a university has expressed “no regrets” regarding the transformation of a former department store into a campus, despite setbacks attributed to the discovery of a Roman burial site. The initiative to convert Gloucester’s former Debenhams building into a University of Gloucestershire campus is currently a year behind schedule and has exceeded its budget by £16m. These delays stem from escalating costs and archaeological findings at the location, with the campus now anticipated to open next summer to accommodate students starting in September 2025. Clare Marchant, the Vice Chancellor, stated, “It’s going to be some a game changer for Gloucester, but also Gloucestershire and the region.” The university acquired the former department store structure in 2021, following the collapse of the high street retail chain. Funding for the work is being provided by Levelling Up money allocated by the previous government. Ensuring the new campus remained on schedule was among the initial responsibilities Clare Marchant addressed upon assuming the role of Vice Chancellor in September 2023. Despite the archaeological discoveries contributing to delays, Ms Marchant affirmed that the new campus remains “on track” for an opening in summer 2025. She commented, “Nothing is guaranteed in the world of construction, but we are on track at the moment.” She added, “Even going around today, I can see massive progress from where we were just three or four weeks ago.” Ms Marchant stated that discontinuing the project was never considered. She declared, “Absolutely no regrets at all.” Over 250 sets of human remains were unearthed within an ancient burial site, with some specimens estimated to be 1000 years old. Mr Bateman, senior project manager at Cotswold Archaeology, explained, “As well as a medieval and then later church, we are finding burials as part of a burial ground in the courtyard.” He further noted, “Most of them are medieval in date, but we do have a series of brick vaults which date from the 19th century.” The remains are slated for examination upon the completion of the work, and the Church of England has consented to their reburial on consecrated ground at another location in Gloucester.