The designs for the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Manchester have been revealed.

The £235million project is located at the heart of the University's Engineering Campus and will be the UK's leading centre for advanced materials research and commercialisation.

Arcadis, together with its project team members Arup, Laing O'Rourke, NBBJ and Ramboll unveiled the designs.

The 16,000sqm building will house world-leading materials scientists, state-of-the-art equipment and collaborative space for industrial engagement. It will enable the UK to grow its world-leading research and innovation base in advanced materials science and technology.

-- Advertisement --

The building is to cost around £150m and is expected to open in 2019.

Laing O'Rourke's Head of UK construction, Liam Cummins, said: "It is fantastic news that we are continuing our partnership with the University of Manchester by delivering a state of the art facility that will carry so much significance for Manchester and Britain's global research position. We’re looking forward to getting on site and delivering a high quality building that supports innovation and excellence."

Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University, said: "This is one of our major capital projects and forms an important part of our vision for the campus and will benefit from its location, close to the National Graphene Institute (NGI) and Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC)."

Work on the Henry Royce Institute building will begin early in the New Year.

(CD)