University of Hertfordshire Law School to Leave St. Albans

The University of Hertfordshire Law School, currently based on Hatfield Road next to Kashu and across the road from Darcy's, has announced that they will be moving to a new, purpose built facility on the main University of Hertfordshire campus in Hatfield.

Having recently completed the Common Practical Exam (CPE) course at the Law School myself, it's no surprise that the University felt they needed to move to a more modern facility. The current building is drafty, cramped, and lacks the sort of modern learning facilities most students and lecturers have come to expect. There are also parking problems at the site, with the car park being open only to staff, leaving students no choice but to pay to park all day in a local multi-storey or find a rare, free on-street parking spot.

In addition to housing the Law College, the building is also home to a small art gallery, open to the public.

Loss of the Law School will, of course, come as a blow to St. Albans. Many students of the School go on to do their legal practice in local law firms, with the Crown and Magistrates courts ensuring a vibrant legal trade locally. Students of the law school have also, in the past, used the court room in the Old Town Hall for competitions against other law schools.

The Law School is hoping to move to their new facility in March of next year, with building work starting at the end of this month. Andrew May, Director of Estates at the University, told the Herts Advertiser that the "university has begun considering its options on the best use of the land in St. Albans".

Perhaps the site would be perfect for that much needed, centrally located school that the Herts County Council has said they're seeking a site for?