New university building named after great city scientist Priestley
BIRMINGHAM City University has officially unveiled its latest building in the city’s Eastside district which bears the name of scientist and theorist Joseph Priestley, who lived in the city.
The new block is home to around 400 staff from the institution’s support services.
The four-storey office building has been leased to BCU by property group Goodman which is leading a regeneration of vacant land around Curzon Street to include new offices and student accommodation known as Eastside Locks.
Priestley (pictured) lived in Birmingham between 1780 and 1791 where he was an active member of the Lunar Society circle of manufacturers and inventors. His educational theory aimed to move students away from classical learning towards a more modern, practical curriculum.
The building, in Cardigan Street, was officially opened by Lord Lansdowne, Charles Maurice Petty-Fitzmaurice, 9th Marquess of Lansdowne. His home – Bowood House in Wiltshire – includes the preserved laboratory where Joseph Priestley, then tutor to the 1st Marquess’s two sons, discovered oxygen in 1774. He said: “It is a real lege to be here. “We are honouring the memory of a remarkable man who, while employed by my ancestor at Bow- privi- ood, discovered years ago.
“The very name of this building will ensure that his legacy, linked with Birmingham City University, continues.”
BCU’s acting vice-chancellor Professor Graham Henderson added: “This new building forms part of our ongoing investment in developing our city centre campus and provides a wonderful new home to members of our professional services staff.
“Along with developers such as Goodman, the university is helping transform Eastside into one of Birmingham’s most exciting areas that is creating thousands of new jobs for today and nurturing fresh talent for the future.”
Previously known as 6 Cardigan Street, staff at the University were invited to give the facility a name earlier this year.
Mark Brown, from the library and learning resources team, put forward Joseph Priestley. oxygen gas 243