Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s new South Campus was officially opened today, along with a number of initiatives that will be housed on the site.

The first phase of the campus was officially opened in a ceremony as part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

The new South Campus was designed by international architects BDP with intention of supporting XJTLU’s student population grow to 15,000. Its concept is based on the curved architectural style of Suzhou’s famous gardens and when fully completed by 2018 will feature a central star-shaped lake.

A number of the day’s high-profile guests praised XJTLU’s infrastructural development over the past decade, including Professor Qinghuang Zhang, vice president of Xi’an Jiaotong University, who said the South Campus enabled a ‘modern, international campus’ to take shape.

Professor Janet Beer, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool, added: “We are excited to see the completion of South Campus which will provide even more state-of-the-art facilities across a range of subjects, and enhance the student experience at XJTLU still further.”

The South Campus will house a number of initiatives that were also officially opened as part of the day’s celebrations.

These include the International Technology Transfer Centre and International Innovation Hub, which will lead the University’s knowledge exchange activities and industry collaboration.

Professor André Brown, vice president at XJTLU, gave a speech outlining the activities of the ITTC and IIH, which include offering XJTLU’s expertise and facilities to potential partners in the areas of research, development and innovation.

“Together the IIH and ITTC show that XJTLU is committed to applying its research talent, its expertise and its facilities for the greater good. Together they reflect the optimism and energy that is driving the continued growth and wider contribution of this University to local, regional and international developments,” he said.

He also thanked Suzhou Industrial Park and its Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District for giving XJTLU support in its development.

Weiming Jiang, executive vice chairman of the Administration Committee of Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, added: “I believe the new IIH and ITTC will integrate both domestic and international resources to become a driving force for an internationally dynamic and innovative community in SEID.”

An agreement was also signed between XJTLU and Suzhou Dushu Lake Entrepreneurship University, which will see the two collaborate in various areas including the development of innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Suzhou Dushu Lake Entrepreneurship University is a new university that aims to provide training and services for entrepreneurs.