Summary:
- The University of Kent has cancelled its £51 million plan to build a 1,000-bed student accommodation block and sports centre on its Canterbury campus, citing changing student needs, affordability concerns, and rising construction costs since planning permission was granted in 2023.
- Despite withdrawing this scheme, the university continues to pursue controversial plans to develop 2,000 homes on a large tract of land north of its campus, a proposal opposed by local residents and rejected by Canterbury City Council’s latest Local Plan due to technical challenges.
- The decision to halt the accommodation project coincides with the University of Kent’s announced merger with the University of Greenwich, aimed at creating a financially stronger combined institution while maintaining separate local identities.
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