Newcastle University has been given the green light to build a towering six-storey teaching block.
The building is the final piece of the jigsaw in the regeneration of the university’s Richardson Road site.
It will provide additional teaching and learning facilities for the psychology, sports, exercise science and nutrition, and medical schools.
The plans were approved on Friday morning subject to conditions in the report.
Councillor Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for employment, said: “Newcastle is a great university city that benefits from having two highly successful universities right in the heart of the city centre.
“I am delighted that this striking six-storey building – part of Newcastle University’s £120m development at Richardson Road – has been approved by the planning committee.
“The development has supported about 500 construction jobs, and this latest building will offer an attractive teaching and learning environment with a lecture theatre for 300 students.
“The higher education sector is highly competitive and if universities are to attract students they must provide world-class facilities.
“The university’s investment is great for the city and great for the economy.”
The building will include a lecture theatre for around 300 students, seminar rooms, specialist teaching facilities and offices.
According to the council’s report, the development is larger than had previously been expected, but it remained within the acceptable requirements.
A university spokesman previously said: “This is part of our £500m investment in quality facilities to deliver an outstanding student experience and excellent environment for our students’ learning, teaching and research, as well as their personal and professional development.
“The new project will promote the development of cross-disciplinary research and teaching in Sport and Exercise Science, Psychology and Nutritional Sciences, as well as providing group study areas. The new building will be the final plot within the redevelopment projects on the Richardson Road site.
“It will be located next to the £75.5m Park View Student Village, which will open its doors to 1,300 students this September, and the new £25m sports centre due to open in autumn 2019.”
