Construction starts on new £180m University building
Construction work has begun on a new £180m education building at the University of Southampton.
Shovels hit the ground today [Wednesday 5 March] at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of building works at the University’s Highfield Campus.
Located at the corner of Burgess Road and Broadlands Road, the new five-storey building will enhance students’ university experience by combining new teaching and studying space with social and wellbeing facilities.
The building, scheduled for completion in Autumn 2027, will host new lecture theatres, study areas, and seminar rooms. It will also include a café, cycling amenities, wellbeing facilities, and indoor and outdoor social spaces for students.
The building will also accommodate the University’s Primary Care Research Centre, an internationally renowned centre of excellence for research driven by patient and public involvement.
The development is part of an ambitious programme of rejuvenation and refurbishment across the University’s campuses which will create outstanding education facilities for students, facilitate world-leading research, and foster collaboration with businesses.
Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton was joined at the event by Lawrence Coomber, President of the Students’ Union, Cheryl Ward of Kier Construction plc, and Cllr Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Vice Chancellor said: “This groundbreaking represents more than just the construction of a new building. It symbolises our dedication to fostering an innovative and inspiring learning environment for our students and faculties. This space will be a hub of creativity, collaboration and academic excellence, ensuring that the University of Southampton continues to be a sector leader in education.”
The project will be the University’s most sustainable building to date. The space has been designed with a fabric first, low energy approach, maximising the use of natural ventilation where possible. Solar panels will be added to part of the roof, and an air source heat pump will heat the building.
The building provides access to landscaped green spaces, outdoor covered study spaces and informal seating.
Lawrence Coomber, President of the Student Union commented: “This new teaching and learning building will be a game-changer for students at the University of Southampton. It will create a dynamic and inclusive space that supports collaboration, creativity, and academic success. We are thrilled to see the University investing in our future.”
The North East Quadrant project is being undertaken by Kier Group PLC, a leading construction firm known for delivering high-quality infrastructure. Cheryl Ward, Managing Director of Kier Construction Southern said:
“This marks an important milestone for this project, which will deliver new educational facilities and learning spaces for students studying at the University. Our team has worked closely with the University to bring their vision of a sustainable, state-of-the-art building to life and positively impact the day-to-day lives of those who work and study there.”
Leader of Southampton City Council, Cllr Lorna Fielker said: “I was pleased to be invited today to see the impact of this scheme on Burgess Road. It’s been fantastic to see how well it has been received by the community. Not only does it rejuvenate the area, but it also plays a key role in supporting the University’s growth, something that benefits the whole city.
“The University is Southampton’s second-largest employer, and more students mean more jobs, more investment, and a stronger local economy. A thriving university helps create a thriving city!”