Architects have begun working on designs for a new biomedical sciences building at the University of Sussex.

The £49m project includes a proposed refurbishment of the Genome building along with a connected new building spread over three and a half storeys.

With designs still in development, it is hoped the new building will contain:

• Teaching laboratories and spaces for Life Sciences students, including those studying on the proposed new Pharmacy degree course.

• A Bio Innovation Centre, bringing leading researchers from Sussex together with industry.

• A new Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Centre.

• An expansion of the world-renowned Genome Damage and Stability Centre.


• An expanded Sussex Centre for Advanced Microscopy.

• A new Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery Centre.

• A new joint Medical School/Life Sciences Screening and Target Discovery Centre.

• A café and social meeting spaces for staff and students.

Professor Michael Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), said: "To build on this important work and explore the new frontiers of biomedicine, we are planning to create a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that will bring all biomedical researchers at Sussex under one roof."

In addition, Balfour Beatty Student Accommodation (BBSA) was appointed earlier this year as the preferred bidder for the development and operation of a new student accommodation in the East Slope housing area.

This project will incorporate 2,000 new bedrooms on the site.

A new building for the Students' Union (SU) could also potentially be built on the site, with the SU and the University agreeing plans for a new building in March 2015.

Planning applications will be submitted to Brighton & Hove City Council some time during spring 2016.

In addition, the University will also apply for permission to demolish the Mantell building. If approved, this is likely to be done around summer 2016.

(LM/MH)