University unveils campus link to create an ‘engineering heartspace’
Sheffield is renowned across the globe for its engineering.
Prof Mike Hounslow, head of Sheffield University’s engineering faculty.
TWO OF the most historic buildings on the Sheffield University campus have been combined to create what the institution says will be a world-leading centre for engineering that will build on the city’s industrial heritage.
A new, curved glass roof was unveiled yesterday, connecting the Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing that is home to its Faculty of Engineering.
The combined unit will contain laboratories, offices, social spaces and an “employability hub” to build bridges between academics and industry, the university said.
The adjacent structures are among the oldest on campus. The Mappin Building was named after a factory owner and Liberal politician from Sheffield who supported the formation of the university in 1905 during the first wave of “redbrick” institutions. Sir Frederick Mappin was later named its first pro-chancellor.
The Central Wing was formerly a technical school and is the earliest purpose-built building in the university’s estate.
Prof Mike Hounslow, head of the engineering faculty, said the new “engineering heartspace” would be open to all staff and students.
He added: “Collaboration is a vital part of engineering and we hope that the new facilities which we have invested in will provide another platform for our academics, students and industrial partners to work together to generate real world impact.
“Sheffield is renowned across the globe for its expertise in engineering. Our academics are conducting research at the very cutting-edge of their fields, our students are some of the brightest emerging talent in the industry and we work together with businesses ranging from local SMEs to some of the world’s biggest companies to help solve some of their most pressing challenges.
“The engineering heartspace can further enhance this work and provide a new place alongside our existing facilities to aid and inspire collaborations.”
Sheffield University is one of the UK’s biggest providers of engineering research and education, with more than 6,700 students and an annual research income of £120m. Last year, it was named the country’s best for engineering research income and investment.
Keith Lilley, its director of estates, called the new building “incredibly ambitious” but “absolutely worth it”.
He said: “Two of our oldest buildings have been fully refurbished, whilst still retaining their historical significance.”
The central atrium meant that the inner facades of both the Victorian buildings had been protected and their energy and carbon performance brought up to modern standards, helping to “underpin the facilities of one of the world’s best engineering faculties”, Mr Lilley added.