The Victoria Park Building for the University of Portsmouth has been granted Planning Permission by unanimous decision, after councillors praised the building’s “exceptional design”.

Set on the edge of Victoria Park, the new academic Building houses 12-storeys of general and specialist teaching spaces.

It will become the permanent home for the Faculties of Business & Law and Humanities and Social Sciences and is the centrepiece of the University’s Estates Masterplan. Academic workspaces are focused around two triple-height atria with fantastic views of the city, park and sea. New facilities include a 500 seat lecture theatre, two 250 seat collaborative lecture theatres, general and specialist teaching spaces, academic offices, administrative offices and a roof top restaurant and terrace which will be open to the public.

Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said:

“This is fantastic news for our city and for the University. This new building will become a landmark in Portsmouth and a symbol of our city’s commitment to learning and teaching. I couldn’t be more excited and would like to thank Portsmouth city councillors for their support.”

Andy Theobald, Partner FCBStudios, said:

“The new Victoria Park Academic Building aims to deliver inspirational teaching and learning for the University of Portsmouth, that will enable innovative working, collaboration and creativity across the two faculties as well as greater links with the city. Located centrally, it links the southern and northern campus together with a new landmark building for the University and forms a new gateway into Portsmouth. With planning now achieved, we are looking forward to building an environmentally sustainable, future flexible new building that will be a focal point of Portsmouth’s academic and city culture.”

This progressive, sustainable building aims to be net zero carbon ready and is currently on course to achieve BREEAM Outstanding under the 2018 criteria. Designed to be environmentally responsible, it will be a smart energy building that will maximise natural light levels by allowing daylight deep into its heart. Photovoltaic panels cover the angled roof, producing renewable power and the high performing facade will manage heat and light.  The perimeter landscaping will be sown with wildflowers to develop biodiversity.

Construction is due to start in Spring 2022.