The University of the West of England has unveiled ambitious proposals to transform its Frenchay campus.

It wants to see more local people using its facilities as well as businesses and the wider community.

Its £300 million draft masterplan, aimed at securing the university's future in the competitive world of higher education, will go on display on Monday.

It includes a second entrance off the Avon Ring Road, a new "iconic" central plaza and performing arts centre and a pedestrian academic "street" at the heart of the site.

Sporting facilities will be enhanced and there is the possibility of a swimming pool being built.

The central bus station will be upgraded and a new network of cycle and pedestrian routes will be created through the campus. Most car parks will be at the outer edges of the site.

More student halls of residence will be created near Wallscourt Farm and the existing student village will be extended.

The university's aim is to bring most of its activities together on one site, and to give the campus a more welcoming and cohesive feel.

This expansion has been made possible by the purchase from neighbour Hewlett-Packard a year ago of a 70-acre site adjoining the campus, which effectively doubles it in size.

The two buildings on the HP site will remain. One will become an exhibition and conference centre later this year, as part of a new research and enterprise park.

The blueprint for the site covers the next 25 years. UWE intends to close its St Matthias campus in Fishponds within five years and its Glenside campus in Stapleton soon afterwards, bringing the faculties housed there to Frenchay.

However the Bower Ashton campus is likely to remain where it is, having recently had a £16 million facelift.

The latest plans are being shown to staff, students and the wider public in a series of exhibitions from Monday until October 23 on all UWE's Bristol campuses.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve West said: "UWE's guiding principle, which underpins everything we do, is to make a positive difference to our students, business and society and the changes we are proposing at Frenchay help deliver these aims.

"As well as improving facilities for staff and students, the plans will allow us to better meet the needs of our partners, employers and the local community.

"We want to ensure that our long term development serves the needs of Greater Bristol and the region so please visit our exhibitions – either in person or virtually – and let us know what you think."

EXHIBITION DETAILS

The consultation exhibitions will be open on week days from Monday 12 – Friday 23 October in the Underpass, near main reception at Frenchay and the refectory areas at Bower Ashton, Glenside and St Matthias campuses.

There will also be a separate staffed exhibition at Frenchay on Friday 16 October, 17:00 – 19:00 and Saturday 17 October, 10:00 – 16:00 in The Street Café, New Redland Building, Frenchay Campus.

There will a chance to meet members of the team which have drawn up the plans and discuss the proposals - on Friday between 17:00-19:00 and Saturday 12:00-14:00.