Project timeline
The Central Teaching Laboratories are being delivered in phases, from early design and consultation through to site preparation, construction and opening.
Planning permission has been granted for the new building, and the project is now moving into the next stage of delivery. This page sets out the main milestones so far and the key stages ahead.
Some dates may change as the project progresses. We will update this page as further details are confirmed, and will share more regular information about current works, access changes, noisy activity and disruption on our What’s happening this month page.
Timeline
- May to August 2023 - pre-planning consultation
Students, staff and members of the public were invited to share feedback on the early design concepts for the Central Teaching Laboratories.
Consultation events took place on 16 May and 4 July 2023, with an online feedback form open from 4 May to 1 August 2023.
- February 2024 - substation relocation
Work began on a new substation building on Hounsfield Road, following planning permission from Sheffield City Council.
The substation is essential University infrastructure. It provides power to existing University buildings, including the IT Services building, and was relocated to enable the development of the Central Teaching Laboratories. The replacement substation will also provide power to the new teaching laboratories and limited backup supply for the Information Commons.
Four semi-mature trees were removed as part of the substation works, with replacement planting planned in line with the University’s two-for-one tree replacement policy. The lime tree on the site was retained.
- Summer 2024 - planning application submitted
The University submitted a planning application to Sheffield City Council for the new building.
The statutory neighbour consultation period ran until 29 August 2024.
- November 2025 - planning permission granted
Sheffield City Council granted planning permission for the building.
The Decision Notice was issued on 26 November 2025. The planning application reference is 24/02255/FUL.
- 2025 to 2026 - future campus review
The project was paused while the University reviewed its financial sustainability and in light of the its wider Future Campus work.
This review confirmed that creating a central facility for practical science, health and related teaching remains the right long-term approach. It also reinforced the importance of the project within wider plans to create a more compact, efficient and sustainable campus.
- Early 2026 - project development
Following the Future Campus review, the project continued to be developed through the University’s governance, design and delivery processes.
This included further work on the building design, teaching model, sustainability, construction approach and the practical steps needed before work could begin on site.
- August 2026 - site preparation begins
Site preparation begins on the area opposite the Information Commons.
This includes closing the IT Services car park so it can be used as a contractor compound, preparing the site and starting demolition of disused University-owned buildings on Hounsfield Road.
- Autumn 2026 - tree works
Some trees will need to be removed as part of the project.
This work is expected to take place after the bird nesting season. Work will take place overnight due to the requirement to close part of Upper Hanover Street.
We will share more information before any tree works begin, including details of replacement planting in line with the University’s two-for-one tree replacement policy.
- January 2027 - main construction phase begins
The site is expected to move from demolition and preparation into the main construction phase.
At this point, the site compound and hoarding arrangements will change, and there will be further updates on access routes, traffic movements, deliveries, noisy works and safety around the site.
- 2027 to 2028 - construction milestones
During the main construction phase, we will provide updates at key milestones, including:
- foundations and piling
- main frame
- building envelope
- internal fit-out
- services installation
- public realm and landscaping
More detailed updates will be added as the construction programme develops.
- 2029 - completion and preparation for teaching
The building is expected to be completed ahead of teaching starting in the new facility.
Further information will be shared nearer the time about opening arrangements, teaching preparation, staff and student familiarisation, and how the building will operate.