Three people are walking along a path next to a garden and a modern university building.

The Lab at ARU Peterborough shortlisted for Education Estates Award 

Category
News
Posted
21 August 2025

We are delighted to share that The Lab at ARU Peterborough has been shortlisted for UK Project of the Year 2025 – Universities at the Education Estates Awards. 

The Lab is the third phase of ARU Peterborough’s University Quarter and reflects the strength of collaborative design.

As landscape architects, LUC worked closely with MCW Architects, Morgan Sindall, Mace, Smith and Wallwork, and CPW to shape a space that supports both students and the wider Peterborough community. 

All images © Richard Chivers

A woman is sitting on a bench while looking at her phone, with a modern university building and a sign that says "Welcome to The Lab" in the background.
A modern building with a zig-zag roofline overlooks a field of wildflowers and bushes.
A student walks along a path next to a field of wildflowers with a modern university building in the background.
A woman is sitting on a bench while looking at her phone, with a modern university building and a sign that says "Welcome to The Lab" in the background.
A modern building with a zig-zag roofline overlooks a field of wildflowers and bushes.
A student walks along a path next to a field of wildflowers with a modern university building in the background.
A woman is sitting on a bench while looking at her phone, with a modern university building and a sign that says "Welcome to The Lab" in the background.
A modern building with a zig-zag roofline overlooks a field of wildflowers and bushes.
A student walks along a path next to a field of wildflowers with a modern university building in the background.

Our landscape design helped extend the building’s “no barriers” philosophy into the outdoor environment.

We transformed underused car parks into pedestrian-friendly routes and inviting public spaces, opening the campus to the city and encouraging connection. 

The project champions sustainability, accessibility and flexibility. The outdoor spaces create inclusive connections and ensure the university remains a place for everyone.

These design choices will support the city’s evolving needs for many years. 

People are sitting on and walking by a stone bench in a leafy outdoor area.
A bike rack is covered by a shelter next to a paved path and modern university buildings.
Two people are sitting on a stone bench in a modern university courtyard, with trees and buildings on either side.
People are sitting on and walking by a stone bench in a leafy outdoor area.
A bike rack is covered by a shelter next to a paved path and modern university buildings.
Two people are sitting on a stone bench in a modern university courtyard, with trees and buildings on either side.
People are sitting on and walking by a stone bench in a leafy outdoor area.
A bike rack is covered by a shelter next to a paved path and modern university buildings.
Two people are sitting on a stone bench in a modern university courtyard, with trees and buildings on either side.

The shortlisting recognises the shared vision of ARU Peterborough, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, and Peterborough City Council.

Their commitment to building places that inspire and connect has helped establish a landmark project for the city. 

The Education Estates Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in learning environments. Winners will be announced on 14 October at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester. 

A car is parked in a parking lot between two modern university buildings with a bicycle rack in the distance.
Three people are walking along a path next to a garden and a modern university building.
A group of people walk along a paved walkway between two modern university buildings with plants on either side.
A car is parked in a parking lot between two modern university buildings with a bicycle rack in the distance.
Three people are walking along a path next to a garden and a modern university building.
A group of people walk along a paved walkway between two modern university buildings with plants on either side.
A car is parked in a parking lot between two modern university buildings with a bicycle rack in the distance.
Three people are walking along a path next to a garden and a modern university building.
A group of people walk along a paved walkway between two modern university buildings with plants on either side.

We congratulate all partners on this recognition and look forward to seeing The Lab continue to benefit the people of Peterborough. 

Full shortlist

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