That was the message from the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, Professor Keith Burnett, on hearing that the planning application for the development had been successful.
We are grateful for the support we have received from a wide range of individuals and organisations in helping us develop this proposal over the last year, and today’s news is good for the University, good for the city and good for the people of Sheffield, bringing a much needed economic boost."
Professor Keith Burnett
Vice-Chancellor
The new development will create around 500 jobs during the construction phase alone and is predicted to bring £44.5 million into the local economy during the construction phase and first year of operation, with an ongoing annual contribution to Sheffield’s economy of £20.6 million.
Professor Burnett praised the City Council’s planning officers for their efforts in working with the University team to shape the plans for the building, which is the centrepiece of the University’s development plans over the next decade, and thanked members of the City Council for their support for this vital new building.
"We recognise that we have been given a wonderful opportunity to create a fitting legacy for the future, an opportunity we take very seriously indeed. We are committed to investing in a high quality, stunning building which will not only be the centrepiece for the Faculty of Engineering’s continued success, but will also be a source of enormous pride for the city.
The Faculty of Engineering continues to grow and to attract students from all over the UK and beyond because of our reputation for top class teaching and research.
Mike Hounslow
Head of the Faculty of Engineering
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Hounslow, Head of the University’s Faculty of Engineering, said the decision was excellent news, not just for the University, but for the city and the city region: "The Faculty of Engineering continues to grow and to attract students from all over the UK and beyond because of our reputation for top class teaching and research.
"The research we carry out in the Faculty is translated into practical applications at our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, attracting world class companies such as Boeing, Rolls Royce and Siemens to carry out their business here.
"We now await final sign off from the Secretary of State to approve the demolition of the Edwardian extension to the Jessop Hospital but, with the Council’s support, we are confident that the case for approval has been fully made.
"This decision not only means we can soon start work on our fantastic new building, but also makes it possible for us to carry out an ambitious refurbishment programme to bring all our engineering estate up to the standard our staff and students deserve."
Construction on the new development is expected to begin in 2013, and the building should be fully operational by 2016. 1600 additional engineering students are expected by 2020 with around 400 additional staff recruited as a consequence of that growth.