Wates has been appointed to construct the Digital Life building for Teesside University at its Middlesbrough campus in England, UK. 

This £40m ($50.22m) development marks the fourth project the contractor will deliver for Teesside University. 

Wates Yorkshire & Northeast regional director for construction David Wingfield said: “We’ve established an incredibly strong working partnership with both the client and local supply chain over the years.  

“This will help us deliver this project successfully for the university, while ensuring we go above and beyond to support the wider Teesside community through social value and sustainability measures.” 

Completion is scheduled for early 2025, with the development part of the university’s ongoing Campus Masterplan. 

The master plan has seen more than £280m invested in improving the student learning experience on the campus.

Teesside University vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor Paul Croney OBE said: “The Masterplan has delivered a superb campus environment, which continues to have a transformative impact for our students.  

“Digital Life will provide a vital cross-university asset for digital innovation, firmly cementing Teesside’s reputation as a future-facing university.” 

The Digital Life building will be designed with a student-centric approach to support the growing need for flexible learning options. 

It will include professional development and apprenticeships in fields such as AI, immersive technologies, fintech, and digital sustainable engineering. 

The building will also include the university's first dedicated, large-scale, multifunctional events space. 

The space will have the capacity to host student events such as the annual Animex festival and graduation ceremonies. 

Previous Wates projects include the National Horizons Centre, Cornell Quarter student accommodation, and the BIOS facility.