Due to a sudden increase in students applying for civil engineering courses, the University of  Greenfields want to expand their civil engineering department. This growth has been driven by  a government initiative to increase the number of engineering graduates. The University has been seeking a suitable location to build a new complex which will consist of a lecture theatre, tutorial rooms, student accommodation, sports hall and administrative facilities. The University has stipulated that the design of the new complex must reflect the  innovative image it is promoting and meet new and very challenging environmental targets.  The final design will be submitted for a prestigious architectural award. Winning the award  would raise the profile of the University and contribute to its strategy in becoming the leading  University in its field. However, a previous attempt to win a similar award failed due to a lack  of cooperation between departments. There is also a history of projects overrunning and overspending. The local authority has stated that any new design must reflect the industrial heritage of the  area. The University has employed a well-known architect to design the new complex. An initial budget of £150m has been allocated for the project with planned opening in 2 years  for the start of the academic year. One of the local councillors has been quoted as saying that the development could create over 200 local jobs during the build and contribute over £50m to  the local economy over the next 3 years. Funding is provided by a combination of government grants (30%), University funds (50%) and a donation from a local business owner (20%). The Local Authority has proposed a disused industrial site within 2 miles of the existing  University and 1 mile from Greenfields town centre. The proposed site is close to a new large  housing development and is connected to Greenfields via an extensive network of cycle paths.  The proposed site has been derelict for many years and has become a home for a wide range  of wildlife. Due to its industrial past the site may contain hazardous material including asbestos  and chemical waste. The planned expansion of the University has attracted a lot of publicity and there is strong  feeling both for and against the development. The local business community see the increase  in student population as very positive whilst local residents are concerned that the increased  traffic will cause excessive congestion. In addition, a local environmental group is concerned  about the impact of the development on wildlife and green space. They have also complained  about the proposed closure of the adjacent cycle path during construction. The project is in its very early stages and detailed estimates of time and costs have still to be  determined