Green light for major research and education building

Plans for a major new six-storey research and education building at the University of Exeter, which will accommodate hundreds of full-time staff, have been approved.The Hopkins Architects Partnership-designed scheme incorporates a new 400-seat auditorium, seminar rooms, labs, research space and other amenities.The vision for the development is for it to be a world-class learning and research building that directly supports the university’s global ambition.According to planning documents filed by the university, the project – to be built on land currently used primarily as a car park – will support about 675 jobs.Office space in the proposed development, which aims to be carbon neutral, will predominantly be used by the university’s research institutes.A workshop, computer labs, a study centre, research laboratories, meeting rooms and a restaurant are also planned.The scheme has now been approved at a virtual Exeter City Council meeting after being recommended for approval by council planning officers.A report scrutinised at the meeting said the building will provide significant additional academic space within the Streatham campus, as supported by the university masterplan, within a sustainable building of a size which is appropriate within the campus setting and when seen from wider views.