Diana Hampson retires as Director of Estates and Facilities
30 Jul 2024
Diana Hampson will retire from her role as Director of Estates and Facilities at the end of July 2024, after almost 40 years of service at the University.
After initially joining the University in 1985 as a Chartered Surveyor, Diana became Director of Estates & Facilities in 1997. A noted member of the Manchester community – having held office as Chair of Corridor Manchester Executive and non-executive appointments at Onward Housing Association and Mid Cheshire NHS Trust – she was also awarded an MBE in 2020 for her services to higher education and the community in Greater Manchester.
During her time with the University, Diana oversaw several large, wide-ranging projects and a significant remodelling of the estate, including the merger with UMIST in 2004. Through two Estates Strategies, she helped to successfully deliver £3 billion of capital development – the most ambitious capital build programme in the history of UK Higher Education.
Other flagship projects have included ID Manchester, a new Science and Engineering campus, a new Business School, and our now-completed Campus Masterplan. Diana is particularly proud of the green spaces created on campus, including University Green, Brunswick Park and, more recently, the Old Quad – the redevelopment of which has been her ambition to deliver for a number of years.
A pivotal member of the Association of Directors of Estates (AUDE) executive committee, Diana was awarded their Chair’s Award for Long Term Contribution at the 2016 Higher Education Estates and Facilities Awards, where it was stated: “As one of the most visible women leaders in Estates, there is an entire generation of female professionals who will see what Diana has achieved and believe they can do it themselves.”
Steve Jordan, Deputy Chief Property Officer, said: “Diana leaves behind a huge legacy and she should be proud of her achievements in transforming the University estate during her tenure. On behalf of all Estates and Facilities staff, I would like to thank her for her leadership, compassion, and friendship.”
Patrick Hackett, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer said: “I would like to thank Diana for her many contributions to our University throughout the years. Diana has led on many flagship projects that have seen the footprint of our University change dramatically. Through her time, she has also provided support to others throughout campus along their journey into leadership. I wish Diana well on her next chapter.”
Interim arrangements for Estates and Facilities
From Thursday, 1 August, current Deputy Chief Property Office Steve Jordan will be acting as Interim Chief Property Officer until a permanent replacement is in post.