University lodges plans for city centre business school

The University of Derby has submitted plans for an iconic new business school as part of its plans to grow its presence in Derby city centre.

The proposed development is set to be built on land adjacent to the university’s One Friar Gate Square building in the city centre.

Projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030, the plan is to create a central hub providing students, researchers, academics and the wider business community access to research and development, expertise, key facilities, and learning and networking opportunities.

The business school will kick start the university’s recently-announced City Masterplan – the vision for how it intends to develop its city centre footprint and improve connectivity between its sites.

If approved, construction is due to commence in November, with the building set to open in September 2024.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE, the university’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “An immense amount of hard work and consideration has gone into our plans for the business school, and we are confident that this application reflects not only our ambitions, but those of our local stakeholders who have shared their views and ideas throughout the consultation period.

“Through the launch of our City Masterplan we have clearly set out our long-term commitment to supporting the city’s ongoing regeneration and growth, as well as enhancing its overall vibrancy and appeal as a place where people want to study, live and work.

“The business school has a key part to play in this and we are excited to see our plans come to fruition.”

The new building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, in line with the university’s sustainability strategies and its low carbon expertise and research agenda.

It will feature innovative teaching and learning spaces, including a virtual reality suite, stock market trading room, creative labs and makerspaces.

Alongside this, the building will be a technology-enabled smart campus and be used as a living lab for research projects from across the university and industry.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor dean for the university’s College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “We recognise the importance of having a central location for our Derby Business School and understand this is crucial to help further develop collaboration between our students, business community and academics.

“Not only will the business school provide our students with an outstanding learning environment, but it will also put a wealth of knowledge, research and innovation within easier reach of those who could really benefit from that expertise.”