Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has acquired the former Uxbridge library building on High Street, Uxbridge, from the London Borough of Hillingdon for an undisclosed price.
The landmark five-storey building, which extends to approximately 32,591 sq ft, was declared surplus to requirements following the relocation of library services to a new and improved facility within the Middlesex Suite, which officially opened in April last year.
The vacant building will be refurbished by the university for use as its new Uxbridge campus for teaching and learning. The campus will offer a range of courses, primarily in health, and there will also be a café on the ground floor for students.
Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for corporate services and property, said: “This sale will safeguard the future of the site for continued use by the community and bring increased footfall, vibrancy and vitality to the High Street, benefiting local traders. It also supports the Uxbridge town centre vision and our ambition to enhance the town’s public realm, making it an even better place to live, work, study and do business.”
Prof Damien Page, vice-chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing BNU to the heart of Uxbridge. The former library has a history of supporting learning, and we’re excited to reimagine it as a centre for innovation and educational excellence that serves students, partners and the wider community.”
Sean Crowhurst, commercial agency associate director at Strettons, which was appointed to sell the building, said: “This transaction highlights the continued demand for substantial, well-located town centre buildings where there is clear repositioning potential. Assets of this scale, particularly those with strong transport connectivity and civic prominence, remain highly attractive to education and institutional occupiers seeking long-term strategic locations.
“We saw competitive interest throughout the process, which underlines confidence in Uxbridge as a commercial and educational centre. Securing Buckinghamshire New University as the purchaser ensures the building will be brought back into active use in a way that supports the High Street and provides long-term stability for the asset.”
SHW advised Buckinghamshire New University on the acquisition.
