Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor of the University explained: “This is part of the University’s wider vision for high-level skills growth in Luton and Bedfordshire.

“Our new STEM building will support the ambitions of regional policymakers to enhance the skills base in Luton, extending opportunity for local residents and attracting investment to the region.”

The building, set out over four-storeys and incorporating 6000m2 of teaching and laboratory space, will allow the University to offer a wide range of new science courses including Pharmacy, Nutrition, Physics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geology and Mechanical Engineering.

It will also include a new Science and Engineering Outreach Centre to promote the value of science and engineering to local schools and the wider Bedfordshire community.

The STEM building will be located on Park Street in the centre of Luton, presenting an improved open and modern façade to pedestrians and is due for completion in 2018.

“This is part of an investment of £180m in cutting edge facilities by the University to transform our campuses,” said Mr Rammell. “Over the past five years we have enhanced our learning and teaching facilities for students, creating jobs and growth in Luton, Bedford and its surrounding areas.”

Other investments include a Postgraduate and CPD Centre opened in 2013 and a stunning new seven-storey state-of the art library, just opened on the Luton campus, which will be available for students entering the University from autumn 2016. Last year also saw the Gateway, a new teaching and learning building, open at the University’s Bedford Campus.

Mr Rammell continued: “The new STEM building is part of our commitment to ensure we provide the very best facilities to support our students throughout their studies.

“It marks the culmination of a huge investment at the campus, with the aim to give our students the very best learning teaching experience possible.”