InstaMeet explores UCLan’s new multi-million pound Student Centre

Reflections in the Student Centre windows Pic: Chris Darley

After a two-year hiatus, InstaMeet returned to Preston last night (Wednesday 17 November).

The destination for the latest InstaMeet Preston – the first since a trip down the Miley Tunnel in September 2019 – was the multi-million pound UCLan Student Centre, which opened in September.

A group of around 25 keen Instagrammers were given a warm welcome by UCLan employees including PR Manager Chris Theobald who led a tour of the impressive building, which was designed with sustainability, accessibility and wellbeing in mind.

Chris explained some of the inspirations behind the Student Centre – including the thread designs, which are a reference to the city’s cotton heritage – as the group snapped away on equipment ranging from phones to DSLRs.

Chris said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome everyone to our Student Centre for this InstaMeet gathering.

“The resulting photographs are absolutely outstanding, showing the building at its best and from some really unusual perspectives.”

Thread designs inside the Student Centre Pic: Chris Darley

While the group was left to explore the 7,304 sqm Student Centre there were lots of introductions as people realised they knew each other from Instagram but were meeting in person for the first time.

Chris Darley, who suggested the Student Centre as an InstaMeet destination, said: “Many thanks to UCLan and Blog Preston for organising tonight’s InstaMeet.

“The Student Centre is a wonderful architectural addition to the Preston skyline with incredible design and lighting, inside and out.”

The event was such a hit that there’s already talk of where the next one should be held. Suggestions so far include Miller Arcade, St Walburge’s and the Bus Station.

Check out some of the images from last night’s InstaMeet below, or use #InstaMeetPreston on Instagram to see more.