The University of Manchester has announced plans to construct a new £30 million building for its School of Chemical Engineering.
The proposed five-storey facility is part of the university’s overall £650 million construction programme, and will provide 110,000 sq ft to house research and teaching laboratories and academic offices.
Construction work on the building is set to begin in May 2010 and will be carried out in two phases. The £11.5 million first phase is expected to be completed by summer 2011, followed by the £18.5 million second phase.
The block will accommodate 70 academic and professional services staff.
Prof Mike Sutcliffe, Head of the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science (CEAS) said: “The recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirmed Manchester’s position as one of a small group of elite Chemical Engineering departments within the UK.
“We are delighted to be embarking on a journey - underpinned by an excellent RAE result - that will provide the fit for purpose facilities required for outstanding chemical engineering research and education.”
The building will be located in the city centre and school’s the industrial pilot plant and teaching laboratories are expected to move to the new facility first.
