University of Bedfordshire Theatre

The University of Bedfordshire Theatre stands on the Bedford campus, a short walk from the town centre. It sits inside the Bedford Campus Centre, a modern building with a restaurant and social spaces for students. The theatre has 280 seats arranged on an arena stage, making it one of the largest in Bedfordshire. Nearby, Liberty Park provides 500 en-suite study bedrooms for students who live on site. The Library, designed by van Heyningen and Haward Architects, offers 360 individual study spaces and traditional library services. The theatre is worth the journey because it hosts a wide range of university events. Graduations, academic research symposia and seminars take place here throughout the year. Public and private events such as conferences, weddings and funeral receptions also use the space. The Campus Centre, which opened in October 2010, includes a 240-seat lecture theatre and an exhibition area for displaying student work. The Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre, completed in early 2013, supports further study and professional training. Visitors find a flexible performance space with good sightlines from every seat. The arena stage allows for varied staging, from lectures to full productions. The surrounding Campus Centre provides a restaurant and areas for informal meetings. The Bedford campus itself is set in landscaped grounds, offering a calm environment close to the town. The Library and Gateway building support study and learning, while Liberty Park offers convenient accommodation for guests attending events.