Subject to securing planning approval and funding arrangements, the University hopes to start construction in 2015 on the three-year project.

As well as creating a university suitable for the future, the campus will help to regenerate the Waterside and town centre of Northampton.

The development will also bring a huge economic boost estimated at £825m and of that £270m will be retained locally benefiting the local community

Cllr David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “This is one of the cornerstone developments for both the Waterside Enterprise Zone and Northampton town centre.

“This outline planning application is a major step forward for the project. If approved, it will pave the way for the University of Northampton to relocate to the heart of our business district”.

“We believe it will pave the way for research and development partnerships, making Northampton one of the most ambitious and progressive boroughs in the country. The application is now available for anyone to view through the planning pages on our website and we will bring it before the Planning Committee in due course.”