A BUILDING project team has been appointed for University Campus Suffolk's Ipswich base, paving the way for a “figurehead” building for the town's new Education Quarter.

A BUILDING project team has been appointed for University Campus Suffolk's Ipswich base, paving the way for a “figurehead” building for the town's new Education Quarter.

Turner & Townsend Construction and Management Consultants have been given the brief to design a £20million plus landmark building, which is due to be completed by 2008 in time to welcome the second intake of students to UCS.

They have been appointed through the Office of Government Commerce framework to oversee the Phase One master planning and development project for the Ipswich hub of the new university campus.

Working in partnership with RMJM architects and Faber Maunsell structural and environmental engineers, Turner & Townsend will plan and develop the Ipswich Waterfront and part of the current Suffolk College site.

Professor Bob Anderson, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of UCS said: “The submissions for the development project were all of a very high standard. We are delighted to have appointed Turner & Townsend, and are sure UCS will benefit tremendously from their professionalism and vision for the Phase One development.

“They have a proven track record working for the higher education sector. With their professional partners they will provide the figurehead building needed to firmly establish our Ipswich Campus as a state-of-art place for students.”

Turner & Townsend will start work immediately on the project and the first designs are expected to be ready for the UCS team to consider in around three months' time.

Director of Turner and Townsend Dominic Honey said: “We and our design partners RMJM and Faber Maunsell are thrilled to have been appointed for this exciting scheme. Our core values of excellence and innovation will be key enablers to transform the UCS vision into reality.”