The building project at the Boldrewood Campus is born from a collaboration between Lloyds Register and the University to build a research hub to focus on innovations in transport, energy and the environment.

Hundreds of staff and students from the university together with engineering and technical staff from Lloyd’s Register will work together at the new technology and education campus.

Wates is understood to have beaten rivals Laing O’Rouke, Balfour Beatty and Bam to the flagship project.

The first phase of the development is scheduled for completion in 2014.

The campus will include the Lloyd’s Register Group Technology Centre, the cornerstone of the organisation’s global research and development network.

Southampton University has received funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the South of England Economic Development Agency to enable the new Centre of Excellence to take shape.

Meanwhile, Southampton University is inviting contractors and student digs developers to come up with plans for accommodation for up to 1,000 students within a five mile radius of the university.

The only other stipulation is that the projects must provide accommodation for a minimum of 250 students at a time.

Further details about the plan can be obtained from John Davidson, email https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofsouthampton or by calling 02380 594088.