Opening ceremony held to mark new campus for Richmond American University London

There were celebrations at Richmond American University London recently with the official opening of its new campus at the innovative Chiswick Park in West London.  It is the first time the University has moved its main campus since it was founded 50 years ago. The move also marks the first university to open in Chiswick.

The students, staff and faculty were joined by the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu, together with other VIP guests including Trustees, university partners and leading higher education representatives. 

The Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu said:

“We are delighted that Richmond American University London has chosen Chiswick Park for the home of its new campus. On behalf of Hounslow, I’d like to wish a warm welcome to all the students, staff and faculty. It’s fantastic to have an international university here in Hounslow and we look forward to seeing it flourish while providing exciting and unique further education options for our local community.”

Ruth Cadbury MP, Member of Parliament for Brentford & Isleworth (including Chiswick, Osterley & Hounslow) and Shadow Minister for International Trade, commented, ‘‘I am delighted to welcome Richmond American University London to Chiswick, particularly as the UK and the United States have always had a close and important bond.  Having such a prestigious and international university based in West London will be a great addition to the area, bringing high quality education, learning and opportunities for people locally.’’

The state of the art campus for Richmond American University London (Building 12, Chiswick Park, London W4 5AN), was opened by Dr Allison Cole-Stutz, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University, during the first week of the new academic year, who said:  

“I’m extremely honoured to be opening this new campus for Richmond American University London.  Our pioneering American liberal arts heritage has transformed the lives and careers of more than 15,000 students since we were founded 50 years ago and this wonderful new campus at Chiswick Park will continue to enrich this life-changing experience for our future students.”

The University has a unique offer of both UK and US degrees, and a strong commitment to UK-US relations and to internationalisation more broadly.  The US theme was celebrated with the distribution of 500 free red, white and blue doughnuts, provided by the University.  Enjoy-Work, the guest management company for Chiswick Park, organised American style catering for visitors to the plaza through the onsite food trucks which are a regular feature at Chiswick Park.

Dr Phil Deans, President and Vice Chancellor of Richmond American University London, added, “Chiswick Park provides the perfect location to take us into the next 50 years and deliver our vision as the UK’s pioneering liberal arts university. We have moved to an award winning location, with a strong track record of sustainability in a superb location in one of the greatest and most diverse cities in the world. Our focus on providing our students with a comprehensive education provides them with a breadth of knowledge for both personal development and preparation for work or further study. Our new home on Chiswick Park will allow us to enhance employability through new partnerships with organisations on the Park, in west London, and across the capital.  Our students will also help the local community through the University’s service learning and environmental programmes.  Chiswick Park is a fantastic opportunity to build on the pioneering spirit that is at the heart of our University.”

Chiswick Park is set in 33 acres of landscaped gardens featuring a lake and waterfall.   Developed in 1999 and designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, it brings together over 10,000 people from 72 of some of the world’s leading companies such as Warner-Discovery, Paramount Pictures, IMG, Singapore Airlines, Starbucks, Pokemon, and Pernod Ricard. The site also includes a Virgin Active gym, restaurants, convenience stores and a variety of pop-up traders and street-food vendors. The University’s students will benefit from a comprehensive new fit out of Building 12 by Ambit, a sector-leading contractor. The extensive work has included the development of a new library, studios, state-of-the-art classrooms, study areas, flexible social spaces and reception area, all incorporating the latest technology to create a world-class learning experience.  

The University will use the new facility to deliver its public benefit strategy through providing student volunteers to support local groups and charities, and work with Hounslow Council and local schools and colleges in delivering new pathways into higher education.  A range of public benefit activities are planned including open research seminars and public lectures, and the University is especially proud of its association with the King Sejong Institute, which supports the promotion of Korean culture and language.