University College Birmingham’s new campus will include lecture theatres, a 24-hour ‘study hub’ and a 200-seater café

Shepherd Construction has won a £17m contract to develop a new campus for University College Birmingham.

The 7,592m² teaching facility has been designed by Associated Architects, engineered by Coach Consulting Engineers and the project will be managed by consultant EC Harris.

The development will provide teaching space for undergraduate and post graduate students on the edge of the city’s historic jewellery quarter. The four story building will contain lecture theatres, a 24-hour ‘study hub’ and a 200-seater café and hopes to achieve BREEAM Excellent rating.

Professor Ray Linforth, principal of University College Birmingham, said: “We have insisted on high levels of sustainability to be integral to the project including installation of photo voltaic solar panels, rain water harvesting, energy efficient lighting and high levels of heating insulation.   The contractor is required to achieve BREEAM Excellent rating and Energy Performance Certificate rating B, both indicating extremely high energy efficiency levels within the building”.

Construction will start within weeks and is due to finish in June 2013.

Quantity surveying practice Gleeds will provide cost consulting on the project and building design consultant Perry & Wilkes is providing mechanical and electrical consulting to the scheme.