Science research hub plan for university campus
The University of Birmingham has unveiled new plans for the first phase of redevelopment of its former Munrow Sports Centre site.
It wants to build a new home for the school of chemistry, environmental scientists from various other schools and an interdisciplinary postgraduate research student centre.
There will be labs, offices, lecture theatres and seminar rooms aimed primarily at post-graduate and academic research and which will complement teaching labs which were recently completed nearby.
The edgbaston institute hopes it will become a world-class scientific research hub, according to a newly submitted planning application.
The first phase of the project has been designed by Birminghambased practice Associated Architects with planning consultancy from Mott MacDonald. There will eventually be four plots developed on the site with later phases including other space for science-based research and education at the university.
It application stated: “The university is seeking to deliver a building that is the start of a new flagship facility to enable world-class research. The development shall create a fizzing, intellectual atmosphere in flexible science space that will help transform working practice, with a focus on challenge-led thematic research.”
The Munrow Sports Centre, on the west of the campus near University station, was replaced by a new £55 million complex fronting on to the A38 Bristol Road three years ago and was demolished in 2018.