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A new home for the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology (PET)

Project overview

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology was officially created on 1 August 2022. It is one of the University’s transformation projects and as such creating a unified, purpose-designed home for the School is a priority.

Benefits

The primary driver for this project is the integration of disciplines, bringing together the physics and engineering into shared and collaborative space. Modern buildings, brand new facilities and purpose-designed space will support the School’s ambitious plans in teaching, research and translational activities, with industry and local enterprises:

We will create:

  • Digital and physical infrastructure that supports discovery science and enables the seamless translation into real-world technological applications.
  • Facilities and environments to help forge new collaborations and coalitions, industrial partnerships and local enterprise.
  • Shared collaborative student spaces and working environments alongside purpose-driven laboratory and research facilities
  • A deeper collaboration, enabling a better integration of research, teaching and technical support activities in the physical sciences.
  • Modern, energy-efficient spaces that reduce our carbon footprint and support technical integration.

Why we are moving

It has become clear that aging infrastructure and the limitations of some of our current buildings make it unsustainable to continue operating at a high standard within our traditional footprint. These existing spaces simply cannot meet the future needs of our integrated School. 

It is important to note that this transition is a component of a much wider campus strategy. Moving toward a model where we share high-quality, specialised buildings more effectively while repurposing our existing sites that are no longer fit for modern purpose.

Managing the transition

A project of this size requires collective planning and dialogue within the school and beyond. The transition is being managed through the following:

  • Key representatives: A dedicated Project Board and Working Group are overseeing timelines, engagement, budget and strategic alignment with representatives from:
    • School Leadership
    • Faculty of Sciences 
    • Directorate of Estates 
    • Directorate of IT 
    • Finance 
  • Data-driven planning: Comprehensive information on current space allocation is being used to ensure the new footprint is optimised for actual usage patterns.
  • Communication and engagement: 
    • Ongoing staff briefings and feedback loops, particularly regarding the transition from existing spaces.
    • Active student engagement sessions to ensure voices shape the collaborative and social areas of the new home.

Key spaces and project scope

Planning and consultations across a number of spaces within the relocation framework continue throughout 2026. Many areas of the school will not be moved, with the main relocation coming from the Physics building on Campus West and the teaching tower. 

Included in the scope of the project will be new departmental spaces, specialised research laboratories, staff offices and collaborative student hubs. Teaching will continue to utilise the University’s existing pool of high-quality lecture theatre spaces.

IT Centre

The IT Centre building will house significant aspects of our School, with a focus on teaching labs and student support. A substantial redesign of the space is being undertaken with an intended completion date of Summer 2027.

Genesis 1, 2, and 3

Genesis 1, 2, and 3 buildings are included in the relocation planning, ensuring we are optimising the use of our existing spaces.

Biocentre

There will be additional PET space in the  Biocentre, which is undergoing a high level of design and redevelopment to enable transition of particular areas of the school into this building.

Isaac Newton's Apple Tree

Isaac Newton's Apple Tree located in the courtyard garden of the current School site, this tree is a highly significant piece of scientific heritage and we recognise its importance to our community. Work is ongoing to evaluate the best method for its preservation with four distinct options:

  1. Investigating the feasibility of moving the entire established tree to a new location on campus.
  2. Taking professional cuttings to graft and grow descendant trees to ensure the lineage continues.
  3. Consulting with partners to determine if a new, verified specimen from the same heritage line can be provided.
  4. Exploring the option of leaving the tree in its current position to feature in the redevelopment of the site.

Project timeline

The first stage of the project was to create significant additional heavy lab space in the Church Lane annex. This was completed in July 2024.

Current phase: Detailed planning and data gathering is underway for the move from the current location.

Future planning: We plan to complete the large move to the vacant building, known as the IT Centre, in Summer 2027.

Other areas of the Science Park will be in scope for the PET relocation and more will be shared on where those spaces are, and the possible uses of them, when they are confirmed.