A NEW £25m “super-laboratory” is to be built in a bid to make Liverpool a world- class nerve centre for tomorrow’s scientists.
The University of Liverpool is behind the masterplan which could cater for more than 1,000 science degree students at a time.
The new facility, scheduled to open in September, 2011, subject to planning permission, will be built on Chatham Street North, behind the university’s main lecture block, on Crown Street.
Although existing provision for separate science subjects will be retained for research and specialist projects, the new facility will bring all degree students taking physics, chemistry, archaeology, geography, and earth and ocean sciences under one roof.
Last night, university leaders said demand for its science courses continued to rocket and they are aiming to build on this reputation and provide truly world-class teaching facilities.
The new facility, to be entirely funded by the university, would be divided into 15 individual units, some able to accommodate as many as 200 students.
Although exact details have not been released, they will all be kitted out with the latest hi-tech equipment in a move intended to create “a modern, high quality and vibrant laboratory environment”.
Demand for the sciences at the university continue to grow with figures this year showing applications to do chemistry increased by 10%, maths 15% and physics 34%.
And last night Steven Dickson, director of facilities management at the university, said he hoped the new facility would prove a magnet for the cream of the country’s best science students.
He said: “The new laboratories will enable us to enhance undergraduate teaching in the sciences with the provision of modern and well-equipped facilities.
“As the laboratories are a shared resource between the sciences, it means that we are able to equip them to the highest specification and create the best possible learning environment for students. Liverpool is extremely popular with students wanting to study science.
“We’re looking to build on this reputation and provide truly world-class teaching facilities in this area.”
The proposal comes weeks after the Daily Post revealed how the university plans to build a £45m eco-friendly student halls of residence by 2011 on the car park of its city centre Management School.
And, like that development, the new science centre would have green features including a green turf-like roof to attract wildlife and birds and energy saving heating and solar panels.
Liverpool council planners will consider the application later this year.
