A NEW £50 million state-of-the art building for the Faculty of Business and Law at UWE Bristol is one step closer having just got the go-ahead from South Gloucestershire Council planners.

The new building will house Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School and is part of the University's campus development plan to build a University for the 21st century.

The landmark academic building will be located at the heart of the new developments in the UWE Frenchay Campus Master Plan, on the northern side of a newly formed plaza.

Pro vice-chancellor and commercial director Bill Marshall said, “The building will be 17,200 square metres in size over five floors. The new building will be naturally ventilated with energy efficient lighting and control systems.

“It will contain state of the art teaching and lecturing facilities including two Harvard style lecture theatres, a 300 seat tiered lecture theatre, two showcase mock court rooms and a trading room.

“We expect that work will begin in December 2014 and that the building will be finished in September 2016.”

UWE Bristol deputy vice-chancellor Professor Jane Harrington, who is also vice chair of the Association of Business Schools, said: “It will provide a first-class teaching and learning environment comprising lecture facilities, teaching and seminar rooms, specialist learning facilities such as a trading room and law courts, and staff offices.

“The business world is changing rapidly and we need to educate the next generation of business leaders in a way that meets the needs of businesses.

“This building will enable the business community to share in the vibrant atmosphere at UWE Bristol and benefit from closer contact with students and academics.

“Key professional organisations will have a base in the new building; and barristers, accountants, small business owners and start-ups will be able to mix with staff and students in the social learning areas.

“Bringing businesses into the University will enable them to access a whole range of benefits from research opportunities and student placements to consultancy work. It will also be hugely beneficial for students – enabling them to have direct contact with the real world of work and helping them develop the skills they need to be attractive to employers.”