School of Engineering presented with keys to new building

The University has been presented with the keys to the newly built School of Engineering. In the coming months, it will throw open its doors to welcome staff, students and industry partners.

Central view of new School of Engineering building

The building offers a variety of contemporary and flexible design and research spaces. These act as incubators for innovation, and strengthens teaching and research partnerships.

It brings together many engineering disciplines into one state-of-the-art building, and features include:

  • A dedicated student support hub
  • A new Design Centre with flexible learning space, which can be used for teaching and group work
  • 200 new student facing PCs
  • An electronics and electrical focused projects space
  • Drop-in study spaces
  • 34 flexi-bays for staff/student interactions
  • Three 50-seat seminar rooms
Room of study tables in the new School of Engineering building Exterior view of new School of Engineering building

The development project, built by Willmott Dixon and designed by Associated Architects, is also home to the Centre of Excellence for Digital Systems, commissioned by UK Railway Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), which was the first phase of the building to open in November 2020.

The Centre focuses on railway control and simulation, data integration and cybersecurity, condition monitoring and sensing, and improved methods for technology introduction. This builds on existing strength in rail research.

Reception area in new School of Engineering building

The University of Birmingham is committed to providing the best academic buildings for the benefit of students, staff and researchers in the School of Engineering. The new building will provide different and more flexible ways of working that will use the space to its best advantage.

Find out more about the School of Engineering