Edge Hill University has been given the green light to create a state-of-the-art Life Sciences building at its Ormskirk campus
Plans for the new facility have been approved by West Lancashire Council. Construction is planned to commence within the next few days, with the aim that the building will be fully operational by the end of this year.
Representing the first stage of a wider masterplan for the development of the central campus area, the University will be investing £17.4m into the project, including £5.8m of funding awarded by the Office for Students.
The Life Sciences building will support both research and teaching at the University. In particular, it will significantly advance the University’s capabilities in Biomedical research, with work being done in areas such as cancer, neurobiology, genetic skin conditions and ageing.
The new laboratory facilities will help undergraduate Biosciences students by giving them the opportunity to use the latest technology, and further develop their skillset by working alongside experienced researchers.
The building will also be used by the University’s Medical School, which opened in 2020.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Steve Igoe said: “This is a critical moment in Edge Hill University’s continued development. Life Sciences is an area which is constantly evolving, and is seen as a prime opportunity for growth in the country so we need to be proactive and create facilities which will serve the next generation of researchers and students.
“This is the first phase of a wider masterplan for the central campus. Subsequent stages will see the development of new residential student accommodation, a new Students’ Union and specialist clinically-led facilities for the Medical School.”