Planning permission has just been granted by the city council for a brand new Life Sciences Building at Sussex University.
The four-storey facility would be used for research and teaching in life sciences, which broadly cover biology and bio-chemistry, including genetics and finding a cure for cancer.
Occupying a former car park, the new building would be linked to the University’s existing Genome building, dating from 2002, which would be refurbished.
The new design aims to echo the University’s collection of listed buildings, dating from the 1960s and created by Sir Basil Spence. Landscaping includes native trees and shrubs, lawns, terracing and green roofs.
Permission was granted by councillors on the planning committee yesterday (February 8 2017).
Chair, Councillor Julie Cattell said: “The Life Sciences department at Sussex has been responsible for pioneering research into diseases affecting all families such as dementia and cancer. So we’re really pleased to approve a modern new home for them which will become an asset to the city and to the country.”
A Bio Innovation Centre, which would be housed in the Life Sciences Building was awarded £5.5 million of government Local Growth Fund money last week. The same fund gave the city council £12m towards a new £130m conference centre and arena building at Black Rock.