The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge are the most obvious examples, but there are many other long-standing institutions that are still going strong. The University of Reading, for instance, celebrating its centenary this year, is thriving, with approximately 27,500 students from 163 countries. What can other universities take from how it plans and uses its real estate to help them succeed? 

Recognise the university’s community role

Every university has a unique economic placemaking capability to contribute to its local community’s sustainability and prosperity. This strengthens its own position, forming a virtuous circle to reinforce its appeal. Comprehensive community engagement is therefore central to long-term real estate decisions.

Following extensive community and stakeholder engagement, the University of Reading recently submitted a planning application for the new Loddon Garden Village (LGV) in Wokingham Borough. LGV will deliver 2,800 new homes, schools, jobs, community facilities, and provide access and enhancements to the Loddon Valley, while supporting the University’s world-leading agricultural research.  

Partnerships with other institutions can bring agglomeration benefits. The University of Reading worked with the British Museum to deliver the Archaeological Research Collection, a state-of-the-art research and collection storage facility at the University’s Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP). Objects will be protected but available to study by students, academics, local schools and community groups. Similarly, the Natural History Museum is creating a new collections, science and digitisation centre at TVSP. This will enable researchers to tackle urgent global challenges, from tracking genetic responses to climate change.

Incorporate wellbeing into design

Part of the University of Reading’s appeal stems from exemplary pastoral care, embodied by 130 hectares of parkland, accessible to local people, at its Green Flag-winning Whiteknights campus, and a new Outdoor Learning Garden being created for students, school children and the community. Its extensive green spaces are frequently cited by students as boosting health.

While every university won’t have so much green space, buildings and areas can be designed to enhance student wellbeing. Providing different spaces, from those that encourage socialising to quiet zones for reflection and solo study, can support students and increase a university’s appeal to potential applicants. 

Sustainability matters

Universities have a critical role to play in tackling climate change through their research, partnerships and operations. The University of Reading was named The Times’s Sustainable University of the Year 2025 and, since 2009, has reduced carbon emissions by over 63% and waste by 35%. This aligns with it being a global leader in climate science, epitomised by its iconic ‘Climate Stripes’ graphic.

Implementing sustainability measures not only benefits universities operationally, and often is important to potential students, but can provide the basis for forming wider partnerships to strengthen an institution’s ecosystem. As the University of Reading’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, said: “Sustainability is about thinking ahead. Universities exist to help people invest in the future, by developing skills for new careers, new solutions through research, as well as supporting the prosperity of our region and the wellbeing of our planet.”

Be strategic over asset disposals

In challenging times, it’s tempting to dispose of assets to address immediate financial needs. While this may work best in some circumstances, the long-term implications must be considered. An effective higher education estate strategy must align to a university’s strategic plan, setting a vision which unlocks an estate’s ‘optimum value’. ‘Value’ is determined not just by how much it addresses problems, such as ageing buildings or underutilisation, but by how it supports strategic growth ambitions, long-term success and opportunities for partnerships. The University of Reading, while making land available for development when strategically important, retains a portfolio of assets and land to ensure it can remain responsive and continue to evolve to match future needs.

Further information

Contact David Williams or Megan Holman

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