Today the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 celebrated the beginning of construction of a state of the art teaching and learning building on the North East corner of Highfield Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the building officially began the University’s biggest single investment in teaching and learning facilities in decades.

The development is part of an ambitious programme of rejuvenation and refurbishment across the University’s campuses which will create the best education and studying facilities for students, enable world-class research to take place, and foster collaboration with businesses.

Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University, was joined at the event by Lawrence Coomber, President of the Students’ Union, and Cheryl Ward, Managing Director of Kier Construction Southern.

Speaking at the event, Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载, emphasised the importance of the new facility:

‘This groundbreaking represents more than just the construction of a new building- it symbolises our dedication to fostering an innovative and inspiring learning environment for our students and faculties. This space will be a hub of creativity, collaboration and academic excellence, ensuring that the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 continues to be a sector leader in education.”

When complete in 2027 the building will house the single largest collection of non-faculty spaces in the University; from some of our largest lecture theatres to event spaces, independent study spaces and seminar rooms.

The building will also house a café, a facilities hub with cycle store, cyclist showers, changing facilities, consultation rooms, a prayer room, a nursing room, and welfare facilities.

As well as the new educational facilities the building will house staff from the School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, including the Primary Care Research Centre and the Centre for Population Health Sciences. The Primary Care Research Centre is recognised as one of the leading centres of excellence for research on primary care in the world, ranking top for outputs in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, and being a member of the prestigious NIHR School for Primary Care Research.

The Centre for Population Health Sciences works closely with the Primary Care Research Centre and leads research on the prevention of disease, reduction of health inequalities and optimisation of health and wellbeing for whole populations across the lifecourse, in the UK and internationally.

Every aspect of the building has been planned to meet the University’s Sustainability Strategic Plan, as our most sustainable building to date. The space has been designed with a fabric first, low energy approach, maximising the use of natural ventilation where possible. Low energy light fittings will be installed, photovoltaic panels will be added to part of the roof, and an air source heat pump will heat the building.

The areas surrounding the building have been designed to both create a sense of arrival, and to connect to nature. The building provides access to landscaped green spaces, outdoor covered study spaces and informal seating.

Students have welcomed the project, recognising its potential to enhance the academic journey of future students. Lawrence Coomber, President of the Student Union shared his excitement:

‘This new teaching and learning building will be a game-changer for students at the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载. It will create a dynamic and inclusive space that supports collaboration, creativity, and academic success. The building will bring much needed extra study space to study. We are thrilled to see the university investing in our future.

The project is being undertaken by Kier Group PLC, a leading construction firm known for delivering high quality infrastructure.? expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, Cheryl Ward, Managing Director of Kier Construction Southern said:

“Today marks an important milestone for this project, which will deliver new educational facilities and learning spaces for students studying at the University. 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 team has worked closely with the University to bring their vision of a sustainable, state-of-the-art building to life and positively impact the day-to-day lives of those who work and study there.

“With a dedicated team based less than five miles from the University, we are proud to support this project with the very best of our local talent and expertise.”

The teaching and learning building is set for completion in the autumn of 2027 and will play a crucial role in supporting the university’s long term academic goals.