Space Management
Introduction
The key aim of Space Management is to effectively manage a dynamic and limited resource in order to support academic activity, minimise cost and achieve effective and efficient utilisation of the institution's estate. This can provide measurable benefits not only financially but to the academic experience of students and staff.
By using space more efficiently and effectively, thereby reducing overall estates costs, funds can be released for other important activities.
By developing a good knowledge of the estate and an excellent intelligent information base we will be able to respond more quickly to future needs in this dynamic environment whilst enabling better long-term planning and space management.
By becoming more aware of space and implementing more effective use of what we have we can support academic activity and enhance operational effectiveness. Space Management tools such as utilisation surveys and space norms can contribute to our awareness of space use.
It is therefore very important that all space related issues are communicated to the Space Management Section within the Estates and Facilities Directorate, whether they are requirements for additional space or reconfiguration of existing space, change of occupancy or vacation of space. This information is needed in order to maintain the knowledge and information base as accurate as possible.
Support from the HE Sector
HEFCE is now linking utilisation and investment (a financially sustainable estate) with the release of unfettered capital.
With that in mind the University is now using the UK Higher Education Space Management Group (SMG) Project Tools when reviewing space requirements and needs across the estate.
The following link provides information on the Space Management Group and the Project Tools that are now in use by the University.
