The first phase of the 12ha regeneration site will include building a central 200,000 sq ft academic building and an energy centre to serve future buildings and cut the carbon footprint of the university by 60%.

The aim is to make it the “greenest” campus in the UK with a zero net carbon footprint, zero net water consumption and zero off site waste disposal.

This will involved solar water heating, gas combined heat and power, photovoltaic panels and rainwater recycling.

Extensive infrastructure works, including a new bridge, are also in the contract brief.

In the second phase the University will build five student accommodation blocks at the fully landscaped campus, designed to breathe new life into Hulme.

Architect John McAslan + Partners has drawn up the strategic development framework for the scheme.

Aidan Potter, Director at John McAslan & Partners said, “The MMU masterplan complements the city’s strategies for regeneration, public services and sustainable development.

“The planned £120m investment is a huge statement of confidence in Hulme – especially in a period of economic recession – and will create worldclass higher education facilities linked and embedded in the local community.”

The University has submitted detailed planning and expects approval in March to meet its timetable to start construction early next year.

The scheme forms part of a £400m investment in MMU campuses across Manchester and Cheshire.

Firms have been given until the end of February to complete PQQs to allow invitations to tender to go put by the start of April.

Dopcuments are available from http://www.finance.mmu.ac.uk/purchasingDocs/?ID=1079. or by calling Arwyn Evans on 01612476396.