Univ North – “Name the Crane” Competition

Univ North – “Name the Crane” Competition

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The new tower crane on site at Univ North has been named “Sparkle”, by Zoe Ryan.

Zoe is a nursery-aged artist who won our “Name the Crane” competition. Organised with University College, Oxford (Univ) and the University of Oxford’s Childcare Services, run by Kids Planet. The participants coloured in a picture of a crane and suggested a name, which would be displayed on the crane on site. Zoe’s winning entry showed a very creative use of art materials and reflected the name she had chosen for the crane.

The name, “Sparkle”, now adorns the side of the crane.  Zoe’s artwork and that of another four highly commended entries from the children have been displayed on hoarding at the Banbury Road entrance to the Univ North development. In addition, another 38 entries from equally creative children can be viewed online on the Univ North website.

  • “We’ve loved running this “Name the Crane” competition with Univ and the University of Oxford’s Childcare Services. We’re giving local children and their families an opportunity to get involved in the Univ North development and learn a little bit more about what we do – this is especially important as we’re currently constructing a new 54 place nursery, which is part of the Univ North scheme.

     “We were really pleased with all the entries received, and it was very difficult to choose a winner. It was clear that a lot of effort had been put into the competition and there was lots of good colouring and a great selection of names. Now the tower crane has been erected, we’re looking forward to progressing the works on site this year!”

    David Heard, Project Director overseeing the Univ North Development, SDC
Name The Crane Entries Univ Website

  • “At University Childcare Services we are very excited to be working with Univ on the development of their new nursery and what better way to launch this partnership than to have a ”Name the Crane” competition. Our children love all things construction, and this competition is an excellent opportunity for them to use their creative skills. We are very much looking forward to bringing our high-quality childcare provision to the new development at Univ North. We can’t wait to see more children enjoying the wonderful nurturing environments that our nurseries bring.”

    Jo Mason, Head of Childcare Services at the University of Oxford
SDC Univ North (7) (1)

  • “Every kid loves a big truck, don’t they? So, when we were approached by SDC, our construction contractor, with this great idea for a competition, University Childcare Services, our future partners in running our nursery, came immediately to mind.

     “Sooner than we know it, we’ll have 54 childcare spaces on site in a beautiful new nursery with a garden to inspire creative outdoor play. Kids Planet, through the University Childcare Services, will be managing the nursery for us – it’s a collaboration that we’re delighted to be involved with. And the opportunity for a great many more drawings of SDC hard hats, diggers and trucks will be too good to miss!”

    Angela Unsworth MBE, Domestic Bursar at University College, Oxford, and lead for the new nursery

SDC has been on site at the Univ North development since the beginning of last year. Works including site preparation, contemporary extensions demolishing buildings, pouring new foundations, creating new access paths, and much more has already taken place.

Once complete, the Univ North scheme will include new energy efficient buildings, with up to 150 study bedspaces, gym, café, study, and meeting spaces, as well as nursery provision. The scheme is renovating existing buildings, rejuvenating heritage orchards, and will offer beautifully landscaped gardens to the Univ North community, where Univ’s students have been living for 50 years.

 

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