Esther Simpson Exterior

Final stages of construction for Esther Simpson Building

Last updated on 25 October 2023

Completion of the Esther Simpson Building remains on track for late August. Construction company BAM are working on the final stages of the building which will then be handed over to the University for final fit-out. Our teams will then work to fully equip the new building with facilities and technical resources so that it is ready for operations within just 6-8 weeks of it being handed over.

Here’s a sneak preview of how it’s looking!

Specialist teaching facilities

The new facility for LUBS and the School of Law will have a number of specialist teaching facilities, as well as standard teaching rooms, including:

  • Behaviour Labs divided into three areas:
    • a data collection lab
    • an observation room
    • and the boardroom
  • There are two, 24 seat, Trading Rooms that will allow students to practice trading in a safe environment and use real-time information
  • A 240-seat horseshoe-shaped lecture theatre with triple projection and a 390-seat traditional lecture theatre
  • Two, 100 seat flat floor seminar rooms
  • Eight, 36 seat flat floor seminar rooms

Teaching rooms will be a mix of collaborative and interactive styles. Some will have fixed furniture, and some will have flexible furniture allowing for different styles of teaching.

High specification PCs will allow for greater power and performance and will benefit Management Analytics’ teaching at LUBS and a computer cluster with 76 workspaces will be situated on the first floor of the building.

Fully accessible building

The Esther Simpson building is fully accessible, and the design of the building meets the criteria of the Equality Act 2010.

Special consideration has been given (but not limited) to the following:

  • Generous space centres
  • Fluid access for all, including wheelchair users
  • Suitable sanitary provision
  • Features to assist people with visual, hearing and cognitive difficulties find their way around the building easily and safely.

View the latest progress photos.