Brighton Uni starts £20m academic building bid race

The University of Brighton has started prequalifying firms for an academic building project at its Moulsecoomb campus in the city.The six-floor building will be located on existing car park on the Lewis Road, known as the Watts site, and forms the centre piece of the wider campus regeneration around the former Preston barracks.Architect Hassell has designed a striking tiled facade that is said to echo the flocks of starling murmurations seen over Brighton pier on winter evenings.The proposed academic building will provide 75,000 sq ft of space and will be let as a design and building contract, expected to be awarded by the end of the year for a start in early 2019.Graham Construction has just been appointed by developer, U+I to deliver a new commercial hub for start-up and small businesses as part of the adjacent £200m Preston Barracks redevelopment.Designed by architects Studio Egret and TP Bennett this element of the campus redevelopment include s369 new homes, 534 student beds, shops, cafes and workshops.Expressions of an interest can be made through the procurement website.