A multimillion pound teaching and learning building and a new science block to encourage collaboration between courses will form part of a £250m investment at the University of East Anglia.
The investment, which will be made over the next 15 years, is designed to ensure the Norwich campus's teaching facilities are fit for 21st – or even 22nd – century learning while maintaining its duty of care to the 'nationally significant' architecture on the site.
It represents a major overhaul for the university, where many structures dates from the 1960s and are grade II-listed.
Norwich City Council leader Alan Waters said the investment will strengthen the university's national and international standing.
The project includes:
• A £31m teaching and learning building, which is currently being built and is expected to open in September 2019.
• A 4,500 sqm four-storey space, including three floors of science teaching laboratories to allow practical teaching across subjects including environmental sciences, computing, biology, physics, engineering, chemistry and pharmacy. The university hopes this space will promote collaboration between scientific disciplines.
• A new teaching and learning building which will double as a welcome point for people when they arrive on campus – construction is in initial stages.
• Refurbishment of main walkways on campus – the estates team began this project over summer 2018 and will continue its roll-out.
• Third phase of refurbishment for Earlham Hall including the creation of new teaching and offices spaces – it follows previous renovation work on the building, formerly a stable block.
• Working with Historic England to ensure architecturally significant structures on the campus, such as the Lasdun Wall, are fit for the future.
It is understood that some teaching will be moved into temporary accommodation as the building projects take place.
Council leader Mr Waters said: 'This scale of commitment to education in Norwich will only strengthen its national and international standing.
'Congratulations to the UEA – already a high performing and well regarded university.'
Prof David Richardson, UEA vice chancellor, said: 'We want to enable people to learn, teach, study, research and collaborate and to do so an inspiring, modern environment fit for the 22nd century.
'This is the next phase of work designed to ensure our campus continues to provide the best teaching and learning environment inspiring students and supporting colleagues to be best we can be.'
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