Then and now: Aston University

As Aston University celebrates its 50th anniversary, we take a look at the campus through the years

Stephanie Broad

Chancellor’s Lake – According to student folklore, this is heart-shaped because it’s at the heart of the University and the heart of Birmingham city centre

What is now the European Bioenergy Research Institute building – Over the years, the building has been the Aston Centre for the Arts, a BBC Studios, a cinema, a wrestling arena and had many more functions besides. It is now home to Aston’s European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI) which houses a Pyrofomer/Gasifier power plant providing power to the building and parts of the campus. It is the first power plant of its kind in Europe.

University Library – Designed by Basil Spence, the library was remodelled in 2010 and has a dedicated social study spaces, computer work stations, flexible meeting ‘pods’ and a cafe area, offering students a great environment in which to work together on projects. The library is now linked to Aston’s highly efficient Combined Heat and Power Plant

Main entrance – The original entrance is now housed within the University’s main reception since the addition the North and South Wings to the main building in the 1960s