Sir Robert McAlpine has started work on a new £34 million Learning and Teaching Centre for Newcastle University.

Designed by architects Sheppard Robson, the project features a 722-seat auditorium that can be sub-divided to provide two separate operational lecture theatres, as well as a 200-seat tiered lecture theatre for collaborative group teaching. Completion is scheduled for September 2019.

Based at the Newcastle Science Central development, the building will provide modern learning facilities for up to 2,200 students across three floors, as well as exhibition space, a café and expansive social learning spaces.

Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, Newcastle University, said: "By developing exciting, new, purpose-built educational spaces, such as the Learning and Teaching Centre, we will secure our future as one of the UK’s leading universities. This project reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our students through our continued focus on providing learning opportunities of the highest standard, supported by our five-year, £500m programme of investment."

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Rupert Goddard, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: "With the start of construction, we are one step closer to delivering a project which – by deftly weaving together social spaces with flexible auditoria – will promote modern ways of learning and teaching.

"We wanted our design to communicate the pivotal role this facility will have to the campus and wider University, with a strident design that resonates both with the campus context and the city’s history of scientific innovation."

Project Manager Lee Wayper said: "It feels fantastic to have begun work on site and we look forward to building on the relationships we have established with Newcastle University and the project team as we work to realise the vision for this exciting project."

(LM/MH)