Lancaster University is investing £4.7m in a 400-seat purpose-built lecture theatre.

The state-of-the art facility – part of the University’s growth strategy – will be set back from the Spine, connecting to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) building on North Campus.

With 400 seats, the lecture theatre will be the largest on campus, easing the demand on other teaching facilities and doubling-up as space to host large-scale conferences.

Paul Morris, Director of Capital Development and Estate Operations at Lancaster University, said: “The new lecture theatre will add a significant new teaching and multi-purpose, large capacity auditorium to our estate, complete with innovative digital integration. The lecture theatre will be conveniently located on our central pedestrian spine and will enhance our offering as a sector leading campus university.”

The main entrance to FASS will be refurbished as part of the project, which will provide shared access to the lecture theatre. The refurbishment will open the entranceway to FASS from the Spine, creating a large reception area to facilitate increased footfall.

A modern ‘skywalk’ will link the FASS building and the lecture theatre, and a second ground-floor entrance will be created for ease of access. There will be an additional meeting room with breakout areas, also improving the connectivity between the buildings. Landscaping will enhance the area around John Creed Avenue and along the Spine.

JM Architects and the university’s Estates Development team have developed designs for the new cutting-edge facility. Consultation took place with representatives from the Lancaster University Students’ Union (LUSU), academic and departmental staff, students, and the Lancaster Conferences+ team to explore ideas on the layout, look and feel, and types of furniture and equipment that the space may need.

Ian Meeks, Vice President of Education (2018/19) for LUSU, said: “It is great to see that the University is investing into more space across campus. Students have highlighted concerns around overcrowding on numerous occasions over the last few years; the addition of a new lecture theatre will help with this problem and allow classes, that currently double teach, to be brought back together.”

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education, Professor Sharon Huttly, said: “The success of the University has led to a high demand for teaching space, and the new lecture theatre will undoubtedly provide very welcome high-quality teaching space for staff and students.”

Consultation and design stages are expected to continue over the summer, with construction planned to start during Michaelmas term 2019.