The Enquirer understands the builder is in pole position to finalise the contract for a £30m medical school for the University of Leicester.

Its new medical building is expected to be the biggest non-residential build to Passivhaus standard in the UK and will reinforce Willmott Dixon’s green building credentials.

Designed by Associated Architects, the job is part of the University of Leicester’s self imposed target to reduce its estate’s CO2 emissions by 60% by 2020.

Leicester University is funding the building project from a variety of sources including use of loans, reserves and support from the NHS.

Wates was also bidding for the proposed six-storey building complex, which will be built on land at the corner of University Road and Lancaster Road.

The proposed building will house the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology departments providing 130,000 sq ft of teaching rooms, academic offices, dry lab research facilities, capable of accommodating more than 2,350 staff and students.

Grant Charman, Deputy Director of Estates at the University said: “In line with the University’s Sustainability Policy, the medical building will incorporate numerous environmentally friendly features including natural light and ventilation, external solar shades, photovoltaic solar panels, a combined heat and power system and a free-cooling labyrinth which uses only a fraction of the energy of conventional air-conditioning.

“There will also be a planted wall and green roof on the side nearest Regent College. The ambitious plans aim to make this one of the most energy efficient buildings of its kind in the UK.”