Planning permission has just been granted to extend and enhance the Babbage Building, on the western edge of the University’s main city centre campus.

The planning decision means the University can now finalise commercial negotiations with BAM Construct UK, with the aim of exchanging contracts in early 2021 and beginning work.

Building’s envelope will consist of traditional masonry hand-laid glazed blue brick on a highly insulated structural framing system.

The revamped facility, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, will include a dedicated new-build component and refurbishment of the 1970s Babbage Building, creating more than 10,000m² of research and teaching space.

Over the next 10 years, the University will be investing £100m in its campus to continue its expansion.

Graham Kingdon, Construction Director for BAM, said: “We’re looking at all the ways we can bring our higher education knowledge and our digital expertise in design and construction to bear, to create a facility that is sustainable and energy efficient.

“As always we plan to work in our highly collaborative way and use this scheme to support Building Plymouth by creating opportunities for future employment and training.”

BAM’s engagement has come through the Southern Construction Framework.