The UK's University of Warwick has revealed a £700m ($911.27m) investment programme in its West Midlands campus, marking the institution's most significant investment in its 60-year history.
The funding, part of the university’s Connect programme, is set to enhance interdisciplinary education and research, particularly in the social sciences and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The Connect programme aims to expand the university's regional, national, and international collaborations and partnerships.
The initial phase, known as the STEM Connect programme, will include the construction of a £425m Science and Engineering Precinct.
University of Warwick vice-chancellor, professor, and president Stuart Croft said: “As we enter the first phase of the STEM Connect programme, the University of Warwick is leading the way in advancing STEM education and research, to inspire the next generation of innovators. We are looking forward to further announcements about our Social Sciences Connect programme later this year.”
The aforementioned precinct will feature a 25,000m² Science and Engineering Building equipped with advanced spaces for teaching, research, and collaboration.
The project will involve the demolition and refurbishment of existing Physics and Chemistry buildings to create new departmental spaces, also encompassing Engineering.
A central public amenity space, University Green, will be established for community engagement, exhibitions, and activities.
The university's research technology platforms will also be rehoused, and the new buildings are designed to be energy efficient, with aspirations to achieve Passivhaus, Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method Excellent, and WELL Platinum accreditations.
Beyond the educational impact, the Connect programme is expected to significantly benefit the economy by generating more than 1,500 construction-related jobs throughout the project's duration.
BDP is the lead consultant and principal designer, and it has worked closely with the university on the project.
Construction for the initial STEM Connect programme is set to begin within the next 12 months.
