Plans lodged for Science and Engineering Precinct

The University of Warwick has lodged plans for a Science and Engineering Precinct which is designed to “reinvigorate the heart” of its campus.The main campus of the University of Warwick straddles the administrative boundary between Coventry and Warwick and extends to approximately 467 acres. The application site is bound by the Kirby Road Car Park to the north, Gibbet Hill Road to the south-west and Library Road to the south-east.University of Warwick has brought forward hybrid proposals which look to “future proof research and teaching facilities”.Outline permission is sought for the demolition of a number of existing buildings on the site and development to facilitate the creation of two teaching and research buildings, the refurbishment of the existing physics building and existing ‘Block B’, together with a new energy centre and creation of a university green. The maximum overall quantum of development proposed is approximately 371,000 sq ft.”The existing cluster of buildings currently on the site are of differing ages and represent incoherent development over past decades,” a planning statement said.It added: “The proposals aim to transform the way the University of Warwick thinks about, and delivers science, by building on existing strengths and capabilities, whilst adapting and responding to new opportunities and challenges.”In essence, the university is seeking to re-imagine the way in which they deliver discovery-led and translational science research in a data-driven era, and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers to study at Warwick.”The construction of this new precinct will reinvigorate the heart of the university campus, bring tangible benefits to all staff and students, as well as the local community, and create exciting partnership opportunities with a wide range of regional, national and global organisations.”The detailed element of the application comprises an enabling works package.The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine currently comprises 14,400 students and employs 2,700 members of staff.