The University of Manchester has announced that it is to invest $540m to create an engineering campus designed by Dutch firm Mecanoo.
The 78,000 square metre Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) will be one of the largest single construction projects ever undertaken by a higher education institution in the UK.
Once complete, the facility will be home to 1,300 academics, researchers and support staff, as well as 6,750 students.
It will house the university’s four engineering schools, as well as two research institutes from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
The campus aims to demonstrate "how UK engineering is one of the most creative industries in the world" and will feature "a dedicated ‘maker space’ that will provide dynamic workshops for students and academics to share ideas and innovate".
MECD will contain "extensive, modern teaching spaces that reflect the changing demands of students and staff for mobile and flexible learning" and "cutting-edge technologies".
An aerial view of the site
Martin Schröder, the dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: "This outstanding new campus development will build upon our proud heritage of innovation and discovery across engineering and science that began with the establishment of the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute in 1824.
"MECD will inspire engineers to continue our pioneering spirit and to apply their knowledge and help modern industry overcome global challenges, such as climate change, finite natural resources and changing world markets."
The building is due to open in 2020.
Images via Mecanoo
