The University of Sussex has submitted a planning application for a new Life Sciences building that is expected to create around 600 new jobs across Brighton and Hove.
Designed by Hawkins Brown Architects, the new building will be situated near the medical school and the other science buildings and is part of the 2020 Sussex master plan; which also includes a new accommodation block to replace East Slope, a new Students Union building and more parking facilities.
In keeping with Sir Basil Spence’s original campus design, the building will feature the distinctive glass, concrete and brick style.
Set over five floors and built using sustainable materials, the proposed design will include collaborative spaces for staff and students to work in.
In a statement, the University said this will “encourage molecular biologists, zoologists, neuroscientists, and chemists to carry out research alongside each other to develop new scientific insight.”
The building will also include a new Bio-Innovation Centre, with the hope of it becoming a hub for growing bio-medical businesses.
In a statement, the University said “The development of the new building will not only create new jobs and boost the regional economy but also help to ensure that scientific advances are translated into real-world benefits.”
Annie Pickering, president of the students union said “the current life sciences building is in need of an update, let’s hope that this new building puts students access and learning at its heart.”
Professor Michael Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said: “A big part of this initiative is about giving back to the community and our new building will help to create jobs and boost the local economy.
“By becoming a hub for bio-innovation we will also help to foster an emerging sector in the region – which will have a legacy for years to come.
“We want to develop a building that enables us to teach the scientists of tomorrow, alongside producing ground-breaking research that changes people’s lives and makes local people proud.”
Professor Laurence Pearl, Head of the School of Life Sciences, said: “Our new state-of-the-art building will ensure that we can continue to produce innovative, world-leading research for decades.
“Our School of Life Sciences produces amazing scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, and continues to attract the very best researchers from all over the world to Brighton.
“The new building will enable our diverse teams of scientists to work more collaboratively alongside each other to make life-changing scientific discoveries.”
The University will hold two public information days about the new Life Sciences building: the first will be held Wednesday 9 November, 10am to 4pm in the JMS building, fourth floor common room, the second the day after at the same time in the Library ground floor.
Picture Credit: University of Sussex