Plans for a new interdisciplinary technology and creative industries building at Oxford Brookes University have taken a major leap forward.

Construction firm Graham has been appointed to deliver the design and build of the new £18.1m facility at the university's Headington Campus.

The new building will replace the existing Helena Kennedy Building, and bring together those studying in the arts, architecture, computing, engineering and built environment disciplines. It will include a host of purpose-built labs, workshops and studio spaces.

Adrian Stokes, Deputy Director of Estates at Oxford Brookes University, said: "We are pleased to be working with Graham on this exciting project to deliver brand new study spaces for our courses in technology and the creative industries.

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"Graham won a very competitive tender process, so we are confident that they can help us to create this transformative building which will encourage collaboration in research, teaching and study at Oxford Brookes."

Graham secured the contract for the project as part of a framework to support the delivery of the university's 10-year estate investment plan. The contractor was selected to deliver projects worth over £5 million.

The works, comprising the design and construction of the new building including all enabling works, external works and drainage, will be carried out over a 64-week programme.

Graham London Office Director, Rob Joyce said: "The construction of the new technology building forms part of Oxford Brookes University's vision to deliver new and exciting spaces fit for learning, innovation and technical making skills. Construction of the new building will support the University's withdrawal from the Wheatley Campus and bring forward high-quality facilities for academic use. We will draw on our extensive experience of delivering educational builds for forward-thinking institutions to implement this important phase in the University's estate programme."

The works are expected to start in May 2019.

(CM/MH)