THE futuristic vision for a Southampton university’s new teaching hub has been given the green light.

Work is set to begin on Southampton Solent University’s £25 million hub in the new year, and it is set for completion by Autumn 2015.

As previously reported, the new building will boast a striking design centred on a glass atrium and featuring a spaceship-style teaching pod suspended in its centre.

There will also be new lecture and seminar facilities, exhibition space and a viewing platform at the site in East Park Terrace.

It will replace many of the university’s current facilities, and is part of a wider plan to redevelop the entire city centre campus over the next ten years.

Southampton City Council’s planning panel approved the proposals yesterday and final planning permission is set to be granted in the new year after final conditions are agreed.

University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Mike Wilkinson said: “We are delighted, we think this is a very important scheme for the city, and it’s very important for our students.

“We want something that’s striking, that’s attractive and that really puts Solent University on the map.”