Image revealed of new-look science block at University of Wolverhampton
New images have been released showing what a new £25 million science block at the University of Wolverhampton would look like.
It comes as plans for the scheme, which would see the five-storey MB building which fronts onto Stafford Street transformed, are lodged with city council planning chiefs.
Education chiefs have revealed that a current single-storey extension will be demolished on the site to make way for a bigger six-storey building covering more than 6,000sq metres.
The building will feature lab facilities for around 2,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students and be home to around 150 staff.
It will also include an area from Stafford Street through which the public can view the inside of the building and see experiments and teaching in action. The new building would reopen as part of a phased approach, with the first part opening in September 2014 and the remainder in December 2014.
The project is part of a £45m redevelopment of the university.
A brand new £15m building is also planned for the business school on the north campus opposite Molineux. This would be located on land between the school's current MN base and the school of health and wellbeing's MH building in Molineux Street. Plans for the building are currently being devised with a view to opening it by December next year.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, said: "It's exciting to see things really starting to take shape now and submitting the plans is the next big step.
"This new facility will really enhance the laboratory provision for our students.
"It's also good news for Wolverhampton and its economy. Not only does it show that the city is developing and people have confidence to invest in it but it is also an investment in our students and getting them better equipped and ready for employment.
"We'd like to think that once work starts it will create a positive feeling in the city which will help fuel further regeneration."
As part of the plans the former Varsity pub will be renovated and used as a focal point for advice and information on the university and an outdoor all-weather sports pitch is being created at the Lomas Street halls of residence.
