AHR has secured the design brief for a £30 million development at the University of Huddersfield.

The project involves creating the 7,500 m2 Barbara Hepworth Building, which will become a new home for the School of Art, Design and Architecture.

Features of the five-storey building will include modern design and construction studios, fine art studios, CAD computer laboratories, lecture rooms, research space, a library and café.

Designed to achieve BREEAM 'Excellent' status, the scheme forms part of the redevelopment of the area around Queen Street South, which will be known as the Western Campus.

AHR has previously worked with the University across a of new build and refurbishment projects, including the £28m Oastler Building, home to the Law School and Humanities Department. The development was announced as winner of Best Education Building by the West Yorkshire Local Authority Building Control Award in July.


Anthony Langan, AHR director and education sector lead, said: "The University of Huddersfield is investing heavily in its estate, creating world-class facilities for students and staff. We are proud to once again be working with the University on another iconic building.

"This will be a dynamic building which reflects the artistic and innovative work of the departments based within it. At the creative heart of the new campus, it will also complement the natural environment around the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the industrial heritage of the Spärck Jones Building."

Colin Blair, director of estates and facilities at the University, said: "Our commitment to ensuring our students have the best possible environment for their studies is at the heart of our estates strategy. The Barbara Hepworth building continues this tradition and we are delighted to be working with AHR again on this project."

(LM/MH)