News

Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil led a celebration marking the start of construction on West Slope.

Vice-Chancellor, Sasha Roseneil was joined by The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Jackie O’Quinn, and student ambassadors Comfort Karim and Ishfaq Mohammed, on Thursday 21 March, to break new ground on the University of Sussex’s West Slope development alongside partners from across the University, Brighton & Hove community, and our construction partner Balfour Beatty.  

Due for completion in 2028, West Slope will feature 22 buildings, including almost 2,000 newstudent accommodation rooms, and a new supermarket and café. West Slope also includes a brand new Health and Wellbeing Centre, due to open in 2026, bringing together NHS services and University wellbeing services at the heart of campus.  

In line with the University’s mission to be one of the most sustainable in the world, the development will also be built to BREEAM Excellent standards with green roofs, water recycling and solar panels.  

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, said: “West Slope will give us much-needed new student accommodation, allowing more students to enjoy the educational and social benefits of campus living, and our new Health and Wellbeing Centre will put student welfare right at the heart of our campus.

“Celebrating the start of construction with our Sussex and Brighton community partners, I am excited to watch the landscape of our West Slope evolve and transform into contemporary, environmentally suitable, and fully, accessible and inclusive student facilities.” 

Widening Participation Student Ambassadors Comfort Karim and Ishfaq Mohammed were invited to join the celebration and shared their experience:   

Comfort Karim, a final year Marketing and Management student said: “I found the opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes creation of the West Slope development immensely rewarding. Engaging in conversations and networking with professionals and key decision-makers of the University, such as Sasha, was truly enlightening.”  

Ishfaq Mohammed, a final year Business and Management student, said: ‘I've thoroughly enjoyed participating in a historic moment at the University of Sussex. It's been enlightening to delve into the future development plans for West Slope, aiming to offer students contemporary, accessible accommodation, and enhanced facilities.’ 

You can keep up-to-date with West Slope developments on Viva Engage and via our Transforming Sussex newsletter, and learn more about the benefits West Slope will bring to campus on our project webpage.