The University of Southampton has struck a deal with Kier Southern to deliver a new teaching and learning building on the North East Quadrant site.

The £150m development forms part of the Highfield Campus in the city and will be developed in two phases.

The first phase will involve construction of a 168,000sq ft, five-storey teaching facility and ancillary facilities hub designed by architect, Sheppard Robson.

The building will be split into three interconnected areas around a central atrium.

The west block consists of a concrete structure with the east/south proposed to be of a steel frame.

Planning consent is still needed, but main works are due to start early next year.

The new building, one of the centrepieces of the university’s major estates transformation, should be ready to open at the start of the 2027/28 academic year.

Phase 2 has still to be worked on as a concept design.

Kevin Argent, executive director of estates and facilities, said the flagship building will create a next-generation teaching and learning facility which has a focus on student experience, wellbeing and sustainability.

Development of this site, which has been planned for several years, will support plans for growth in staff and student numbers, and creating a more-sustainable and inclusive campus.