The University of Wolverhampton have submitted fresh plans for a new £20m campus as part of a £100m development – which would be built at the historic Springfield Brewery site. The campus – which will house the School of Architecture and Built Environment – had initially been thwarted due to structural problems as the original buildings were ‘not viable’, but the new plans means University chiefs are hopeful of taking a step towards transforming the 12-acre site.

We’ll be hosting a variety of University Development Plans Conference this year focuses on estates, property and facilities which can be found here.

Striking images have been shared by Associated Architects and the University, which centre around an iconic clock tower building mixed with a modern and stylish new build. The designs are aimed at ‘keeping as much heritage as possible and add stunning new buildings which reflect the sites historic industrial surroundings’.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jackie Dunne said of the project: ”We think the design is really exciting and will be a fantastic addition to the city. The Springfield site is a key strategic project for the university and we’re committed to realising the vision of the site and the part it will play in regenerating Wolverhampton. We felt it was important to retain as much of the site’s heritage as we possible could within the scheme and have sought to retain, protect and celebrate the character of key existing buildings. All available options were considered and we have selected the best design and build option working within a heritage site, working very closely with Historic England and the council’s planning department. This is the biggest and final part of the first phase of Springfield’s redevelopment and one of the biggest capital projects we have ever undertaken. Once complete it will offer an unrivalled built environment hub and centre of excellence, which will be among the biggest and best in Europe.”

Historic England have been working closely with designers, planners and conservation specialists as the 140-year old site has several iconic elements such as the clock tower. This will be restored whilst having a new building wrapped around it which includes a naturally lit open atrium spanning three floors, covered by a glass roof lantern.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the plans sets out the scheme’s benefits for the wider region – with the plans set to stimulate economic regeneration in the area – whilst providing space for nearly 1,500 students and 65 staff.

To hear more about University Development Plans check out our next conferences with leading universities speaking > View events.