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Chartwells unveils sustainable dining hub at University of Sussex

5th Nov 2024 - 07:00
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Chartwells unveils sustainable dining hub at University of Sussex
Abstract
Chartwells Universities joined forces with the University of Sussex to celebrate the reopening of the dining hub Eat Central, following a six-month refurbishment.

Now fitted with five custom kiosks serving ‘delicious and affordable meals’, the new central hub will provide more food options and a welcoming social space, demonstrating the businesses’ continued commitment to driving innovation as well as enhancing student and staff experiences.

Open between 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday with capacity for 270 inside and 50 outside, Eat Central is an ‘innovative’ take on the traditional canteen format, featuring digital screens and accessible seating, with extended tables at booths designed for wheelchair users to sit at the end.

 The hub features a launch line up of:

  • Sussex Saver: A hot counter with daily dish changes, offering affordable meals ranging from £2-3.50 including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
  • Field Tray: Healthy options including salads and grains, with protein options including fish, chicken and tofu.
  • Hot Chicken: Opened in partnership with Lean Kitchen, serving Wing Fest award-winning chicken wings along with burgers and wraps.
  • Bamboo: An Asian fusion mix-and-match counter with rice, noodles, and sauces including katsu, teriyaki, sweet and sour, and hot chilli.
  • Tortilla: High street brand Tortilla has returned to the campus in a fifth refurbished kiosk.

Mark Lawrence, contract director at Chartwells Universities, said: “It’s fantastic to be reopening Eat Central at the University of Sussex. Since the dining hub closed for refurbishment in March, our team has been working hard to continue delivering fantastic, nutritious food from gazebos outside on campus.

“We’ve worked closely with the university to create a brand-new offering, with modern menus that are diverse and exciting for both students and staff. Providing nutritious meals that fuel young people’s learning is a key part of our mission, so we’re delighted to be able to offer a range of healthy options.

“We’re also passionate about making sure fantastic food is accessible to all. In light of the cost of living crisis, the Sussex Saver counter is a really important part of our offering, providing high-quality, affordable meals for as little as £2.

“We’re delighted to see Eat Central open to such positive reception, and will continue to review feedback and implement menu rotations that offer ample choice and fantastic flavours throughout the academic year.”

Driven by a joint mission to champion more sustainable measures on campus, Chartwells Universities and The University of Sussex have implemented a number of green initiatives at Eat Central.

This has led to the hub being rated over 90% by The Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Standard, the world’s largest food and beverage sustainability accreditation – making it one of only ten outlets worldwide to achieve this.

Helen Power-Hosking, head of commercial services at the University of Sussex, added: "We've worked closely with Chartwells Universities to meet our campus’ needs, and the reopening of Eat Central following an impressive refurbishment highlights our shared values and commitment to excellence and sustainability.

"From the use of recycled materials to systems that separate food waste and turn it into fertiliser for our campus grounds, the refurbishment had sustainability at its heart, demonstrating our partnership’s commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising customer experience.

"The positive feedback from staff, students, and alumni has been truly encouraging and reflects the success of our combined efforts.”

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Written by
Edward Waddell