It plans to spend nearly £100m building an integrated campus for engineering and physical sciences at Woodhouse Lane.

BAM Construct and laboratory specialist M+W Group are understood to be among firms bidding for the 160,000 sq ft facility, which will house hi-tech laboratories and academic offices.

The University’s preferred contractor is expected to be named in November, allowing work to start by March 2018, with completion slated for summer 202o.

The project, designed by Manchester architect ADP, consists of a new 6-storey building, a full height connecting atrium and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Old Mining Building.

The new build part of the scheme will be predominantly concrete frame with an upper steel frame.

The Manchester office of Arcadis is on board as project manager.

Researchers will push the boundaries of bio-nano, computing and engineering sciences on the new building

Supporting the priorities of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and strengthening the University’s international reputation in interdisciplinary research, the investment is a key part of the University’s £520m campus development programme, aimed at securing Leeds’ position in the UK’s top 10 research universities.

Areas of research it will support include energy efficient computing, telecommunications, sustainable magnetic materials, sensors for use in biological systems and extreme or remote environments, pharmaceutical formulations, “smart foods” and medical technologies.