Bristol university's new £36 million dental school officially opens
Bristol University's new £36 million dental school has officially opened at its new site at a former office building at Trinity Quay, enabling the number of student places to be increased by a quarter.
The school, which was previously based at Bristol Dental Hospital, was opened by Bristol West MP and shadow culture minister Thangam Debbonaire.
READ MORE: Bristol University spinout Forefront RF secures £6.7m investment
Multidisciplinary practice BDP designed the chosen scheme while builder Kier Construction delivered it.
Akshay Khera, architecture director at BDP, said: "This significant project for the University of Bristol is now ready to welcome students, providing a state-of-the-art teaching space within an existing building.
"Not only is the sensitive reuse of an existing space beneficial from a sustainability perspective, but it also provides a unique design opportunity as we were able to draw on quirky features of interest whilst injecting a modern and fresh take.
"The redevelopment also introduces a new lease of life and vibrant university function to this prominent building, bringing activity to this important part of the city centre throughout the day and evening."
The university prioritised the re-use and retrofit of an existing building over new build, which reduced the upfront carbon impact of construction.
The open-plan design features an octagonal shaped space, which houses a series of dental treatment bays and teaching spaces, with amazing views to the surrounding waterfront.
There are also specially designed rooms for neurodivergent students, while the university is encouraging green and active travel options to and from the building, including cycling, walking and use of public transport, with accessible parking spaces.
Architects and interior designers from BDP worked as part of a multidisciplinary team including building services engineers and structural and civil engineers which were appointed by the University of Bristol.
Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county
