Aston University has opened an ‘around the world’ dining experience at its Birmingham city centre campus. An investment of £850,000 has created Cafe Tierra, a 7158 sq foot food court, replacing 3 other eateries at various locations in the same building. The project has also relocated a Costa Coffee outlet as well as creating 13 new jobs.

University Catering Manager Adrian Lowe explains; “University catering is about providing good value, healthy and nutritious food in an environment that students want to use. With a city centre location, we are competing for students’ custom with the major high street outlets and there is no reason with the quality of our offering, that we shouldn’t take our share of their market.”

“The main part of Aston University is housed within an art-deco style building dating back to the 1950s and over the years, small catering outlets had evolved at various places throughout the building. This situation wasn’t ideal and as the University has grown, developing its reputation and as student numbers have increased some of the food outlets were very underused because of their location whilst others were packed to overflowing at peak times.”

“The new food court offers freshly cooked fayre in styles from around the world, with every dish well under £5. The new location, on the ground floor of the main building is at a busy circulation point at the centre of University life, making it an ideal destination for students, staff and visitors. The design of the space is deliberately open and contemporary with different seating areas and décor, creating different moods to reflect the diversity within Aston’s staff and students.

“There are the warm colours of the coffee lounge area and dark wood contrasting against the bright green LED feature wall. The space fits well with the food offering and creates just the right environment for meeting, eating and conversation. This has been a huge project for University Catering and we have already received some tremendously positive feedback.”

Special value catering packages allow students to eat breakfast and lunch every day for only £37 per week. Space for the new facility was created by the conversion of storage areas and the relocation of the University’s estates department. The former catering facilities have been turned into a student recreation area as extra space for revision and relaxation.

ENDS