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It is easy to underestimate the importance of having top-class estates and facilities at higher education institutions.

But anyone who has ever visited a university open day will know that first impressions are vital in attracting new students. Gleaming libraries, state-of-the-art academic buildings, and attractive accommodation will be among the priorities when young people choose between their favoured campuses, and can give higher education (HE) institutions the edge over their closest rivals.

Make no mistake, the competition for top students is alive and kicking and their expectations and demands, fuelled in part by the payment of higher fees, continue to rise.

The challenges of creating a top class campus are clear: the cost of space is at a premium, there are conflicting requirements and competing priorities among different stakeholders. At the same time, external capital funding sources are feeling the squeeze.

UCAS’ annual figures reveal that record numbers of students are applying for higher education courses each year, and the number is continuing to rise across the UK. HE institutions are being asked to do more, with less, at a time of rising demands.

The challenge here is one of funding. HE is not immune to budgetary pressures, despite the thriving marketplace

Typically, university and college campuses up and down the country have expanded in an ad hoc manner, with many additions, renovations and extensions built to meet the urgent needs of the day as opposed to the needs of students for the future.

Teaching and support staff tend to work out of their own offices, often scattered across campus. Students need to visit several different buildings, often some distance apart, to speak to their module leaders, a situation which inconveniences everyone. And too often lecture theatres are not used to their full capacity.

Now is the time to take a fresh look at the existing education estate. Utilisation studies will quickly and effectively reveal the level of efficient usage (be prepared to be shocked). The results should be used to encourage a new vision.

This should in turn lead to a new way to use what you have and to plan the changes that are required to create more dynamic spaces, balanced by well-designed and accessible places that enable private study, meetings and small group sessions for both students and staff. It is an opportunity to transform outdated academic and administrative buildings and build academic institutions that are fit for the 21st century.

Rationalisation brings its own challenges, not least the need for a culture shift among senior staff who have become accustomed to a certain way of working. The days of occupying a private office as a reward for service and achievement within a chosen field are clearly limited.

Rationalisation brings its own challenges, not least the need for a culture shift among senior staff who have become accustomed to a certain way of working

Beyond rationalisation, many institutions are continuing apace with large capital programmes of expansion and development of their estates in order to create campuses that are fit for purpose. The challenge here is one of funding. HE is not immune to budgetary pressures, despite the thriving marketplace and the growing demand for higher education courses.

Given this ever-changing marketplace, and the uncertainty surrounding availability of public funding, decision-makers often aim to progress complex development programmes in the shortest timescale possible. Pace is clearly admirable but financing, designing and procuring the best possible facilities requires care and precision.

Educators should look beyond just raising the necessary finance and engage specialist advice. Choosing the right contractor can be quicker and easier when universities have the ability to pick from a pre-accredited list, safe in the knowledge suppliers will be compliant with regulation and have the skills to provide what is needed. However, sometimes the opportunity for a competitive tender to get the best price and the need for specialist skills requires a different approach.

The quality of estates and facilities will always be at the forefront of prospective students’ priorities. A high-quality, modern campus will encourage learning, drive success and help create the ultimate student experience – bringing benefit to individual students, HE institutions and, ultimately, UK plc.

Richard McCarthy is senior director strategic services at Capita