UNIVERSITY OF KENT

The project concerns the refurbishment of existing teaching and research buildings and construction of new general buildings at the current University of Kent campuses.

The objective is to expand, update and improve the quality of the teaching and research facilities of the university. The refurbishment and restructuring of academic and administrative space aims to improve spaces and facilities within schools, to cater for growth in student and staff numbers and to enhance the overall student experience. The project will also improve the energy efficiency of the premises.

Universities and research institutions are not specifically mentioned in the directive on environmental impact assessment (EIA). An EIA is therefore not required in accordance with the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU. However, parts of the investment cover the construction of new facilities and therefore may be covered by Annex II of the directive in relation to urban development. The Bank’s services will verify during appraisal whether an EIA is required for any component of the project.

The Bank will require the university to ensure that contracts for the implementation of their projects have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Dir. 2004/18/EC or 2004/17/EC and Dir. 2007/66/EC), with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where appropriate.