University of Lincoln announces £130m investment programme

Some of the money is to be spent on new facilities to accommodate the university's science departments

The University of Lincoln has announced plans to invest £130m to provide "world-class facilities" for students.

The scheme would see a number of new developments on campus, including the Isaac Newton project, which would house the university's science departments.

Some of the funding is intended to be used to expand and develop existing facilities.

The university said the programme would provide education and growth across the region.

The work is being funded through government grants, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Siemens and £48m from the European Investment Bank.

The programme would also involve the development of the Sarah Swift Building to accommodate the university's schools of psychology and health and social care, and new on-campus accommodation for 500 students is planned.

The university said the funding would be used to invest in the latest technologies and provide world-class facilities

Prof Mary Stuart, vice-chancellor of the university, said the investment would transform the site over the next decade.

"We are driving change for students and for industry and I am proud that the university is a chief component of the Midlands engine, delivering growth, investment and innovation," she said.

"It will drive economic growth in the region and help address skills gaps in key industries."

The university, which has 14,000 students, is estimated to contribute at least £300m to the regional economy, and has created more than 3,000 jobs, officials said.

Its Brayford Pool Campus, in the centre of Lincoln, is built on the site of an old railway sidings.