A BID to transform well-known Worcester building into state-of-the-art teaching facilities for health students has been approved by city planners.
The University of Worcester is developing Berrows House on Hylton Road into dedicated space to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals, including through its proposed new Three Counties Medical School.
Attractively clad, flooded with natural light from the impressive North light roof structures, the large two and three storey 1965 building, designed by Austin-Smith Salmon-Lord Partnership, will become an architectural highlight on the St John’s bank of the River Severn.
University Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE, said: “The development will be key in providing inclusive and inspiring learning facilities to educate the next generation of health professionals that this country so badly needs.
The plans, drawn up by Midlands-based Glancy Nicholls Architects, include a state-of-the-art anatomy laboratory, a suite of GP simulation rooms, and a range of general seminar and teaching rooms. There will also be offices, break-out spaces for group study and a café. Stepnell has been appointed as contractors to develop the building, which will open at the end of 2022.
Richard Wakeford, main board director at Stepnell and project sponsor, said: “Now more than ever, we need to support investment in the healthcare sector – so providing essential learning spaces that contribute towards the development of the next generation of medical professionals is a great way for us to do this.”
Low or Zero Carbon technologies will be utilised throughout the building in line with the University’s environmental and sustainability ethos, with the aspiration of achieving RICS SKA Gold.
