The University of Manchester has today announced its £350 million investment to create a new engineering campus, through the University’s Construction Partnering Framework.

Balfour Beatty was appointed as one of three framework partners to the eight-year programme in June.

The University of Manchester has also announced the beginning of its engagement process with Balfour Beatty as its construction partner on the scheme with a full construction contract award expected in Spring 2016.

The Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) is the University’s flagship project in its capital programme to create a world-leading teaching, learning and research campus to develop the engineers and innovators of tomorrow.

MECD will be one of the largest, single construction projects ever undertaken by a higher education institution in the United Kingdom – and will transform the way the University educates future engineers in response to the needs of the fast-changing global economy.

Once complete, MECD will become home to four of the University’s engineering schools and two research institutes from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Professor Martin Schröder, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University, said: “This outstanding new campus development will build upon our proud heritage of innovation and discovery across engineering and science that began with the establishment of the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute in 1824.

“MECD will inspire engineers to continue our pioneering spirit and to apply their knowledge and help modern industry overcome global challenges, such as climate change, finite natural resources and changing world markets.”