Plans have been approved to create a new £350 million engineering campus for the University of Manchester.

Work on the Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) is set to begin later this year.

Designed by architects Mecanoo, the project is part of the University's £1bn 'masterplan' to create a world-leading campus, bringing together the engineering and scientific community.

The 195-metre long building will feature flexible labs, bespoke project areas and interactive learning environments to support innovation, creativity and collaboration.

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Once completed, it will become home to the University's four engineering schools and two research institutes from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Professor Martin Schröder, Vice-President at the University, said: "This exciting new campus development is a once in a lifetime project that builds upon Manchester's proud heritage of innovation and discovery across engineering and science that began with the establishment of the Manchester Mechanics' Institute in 1824. MECD brings Manchester Engineering into one building as a focus for interdisciplinary teaching and research.

"We will train the engineers of the future and discover and apply new knowledge to help industry and society to increase wealth and employment and to overcome global challenges of climate change, finite natural resources and changing world markets."

Demolition works are underway and the project is due to be completed by 2020.

(LM/JP)