Plans for new business school submitted

The planned £11m building would be situated at the junction of Molineux Street and Camp Street at the University’s City Molineux campus.

The six storey flagship building will be a combination of teaching and social learning space and aims to reflect the University of Wolverhampton Business School’s growing reputation and engagement with the business community in the region. Included in the proposed new building will be lecture, tutorial and seminar rooms, offices and a central social space and café.

A full planning application has now been made to Wolverhampton City Council. If approved, work on site is scheduled to start in December this year with a delivery date of May 2015.

Dr Anthea Gregory, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences which incorporates the University of Wolverhampton Business School, said: “The plans for the Business School demonstrate the University’s commitment to supporting and driving economic regeneration in the region.

“We want to contribute to the creation of jobs and providing a ready and skilled workforce as well as helping businesses develop existing staff.

“As the University of Opportunity we must position ourselves as a place that connects and engages with business to provide innovation and skills.

"This latest development will further improve what we can offer to students and enhance the experience they have with us.

“We have been established for more than 80 years and a vibrant business school is vital to generating growth and jobs.

“The school is growing and has improving student satisfaction rates. Allied to this, we have increased the level of engagement with local and regional businesses through internships, mentoring and knowledge transfer projects, as well as recently establishing a new advisory board with a range of senior chief executive officers from regional businesses.

“We want the new business school to provide an exciting learning environment supported by the latest technology and able to offer tailored facilities to meet the needs of learners from sub-degree level right the way through to executive education.”

The plans are part of an investment of around £45m by the University to redevelop its City Molineux and Wulfruna Campuses in Wolverhampton City Centre. A new £25m Science facility, including state-of-the-art laboratories alongside teaching and meeting rooms is being created by extending and redeveloping the current MB Building, which fronts onto Stafford Street.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003

Date Issued: Wednesday 7 August 2013