Universities spent 拢2.5bn on development projects last year - the highest annual spending on record
Universities spent 拢2.5bn on non-residential development projects last year, the highest annual spending on record, according to a new report by the Association of University Directors of Estate (AUDE).
The rise in capital expenditure masked disparities between universities - over a dozen institutions spent over 拢40m on projects, with four investing over 拢100m, as a number of universities pushed ahead with major development programmes.
However, capital expenditure fell between 2008 and 2014 at half of institutions, with spending down by as much as 25% at a third of institutions.
The AUDE鈥檚 annual report found the sector鈥檚 total income increased to 拢28bn in the 2013-14 financial year, up 拢1bn from the previous year. Total expenditure on property was 拢1.9bn.
Sue Holmes, AUDE chair and director of estates and facilities at Oxford Brookes University, said: 鈥淭he University sector has faced monumental changes over the past year. The trebling of tuition fees has changed the nature of the relationship between student and provider completely and for the first time ever student recruitment is no longer under government control, creating a competitive market.
鈥淭he report shows excellent practice throughout the sector to retain attraction and evolve whilst investment and operational costs are being maintained. The Higher Education Estates Statistics Report is a benchmark for all institutions and I am thrilled that AUDE is at the forefront of ensuring the high quality of the UK university estates and facilities management is upheld.鈥�
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