£180m 'flagship' university building gets go-ahead
The University of Southampton will deliver classes from the five-storey centre
A university has been given the green light to progress a £180million scheme to deliver a new “flagship” building.
The first phase of University of Southampton’s north east quadrant project will see a five-storey block constructed on land used for car parking at the Highfield campus.
The building, which should open in 2027, will feature three large lecture theatres, three large teaching arenas, two computer rooms, six seminar rooms, a student hub, independent and flexible workspaces, and a cafe.
Southampton City Council officers approved a planning application for the development under delegated powers.
A University of Southampton spokesperson said: “The development of our north east quadrant demonstrates an exciting and significant £180m investment in our university’s future.
“Our new flagship building will play an important role in the enhancement of both our teaching and learning spaces, providing new ways of learning for our students plus a hub for pastoral and wellbeing support.
“Preparatory work is already underway, with the building due for completion in late 2027.”
The council officer approval decision was made back in March but it was subject to the completion of a legal agreement between the local authority and the unviersity.
The section 106 agreement, which was reached earlier this month, outlined the range of contributions and conditions the educational institution must meet.
This included providing the local authority with £504,789 towards transport improvements.
There will be new crossings at the Burgess Road/Broadlands Road junction, on-street parking in Burgess Road between Broadlands Road and University Road will be removed, and enhancing the bus stop in Burgess Road.
The planning officer’s report on the proposal said the development would create an improved entrance to the university campus, adding the site was currently in a “car-dominated condition”.
Overall, 431 car parking spaces from the existing car park will be lost, with 222 additional cycle storage spaces created in a facilities building, which is part of the scheme.
The planning officer’s report said: “The provision of a new educational facility to assist the University of Southampton in maintaining its status and improving the quality of provision at the Highfield campus is welcome.”
The university’s ambition is to deliver a second building in the north east quadrant, which would be brought forward under a future planning application.