In 2018 Ares Landscape Architects were appointed to develop the new Harper and Keele Veterinary School for Keele University. The Keele University site was located on a 1.5 hectare area on the Keele Science and Innovation Park (Phase III). The new Vet School consists of a veterinary hospital, a clinical skills center and Veterinary School hub facilities, supporting training across both Keele and Harper Adams University campuses in partnership with local clinical providers and industry.
The building occupies a prominent location on the campus, being located on the University Avenue, visible from the main entrance to the Campus. The masterplan concept for the site was to bring together the three key local characters; the existing green / blue infrastructure from the Phase II Innovation Park and local rural setting, the historic buildings of the campus and the new Keele University urban masterplan.
The landscape and sustainability were integral to the overall design, with the importance of how the building and landscape work together being fundamental to the Clients and Local Planning Authorities objectives. Our project achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Good,’ demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.