The £28.8million project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government, the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board and Swansea University.

Swansea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies said: “We will all benefit from the improvements to medical practice which will be pioneered here and the regional economy will be boosted by the simultaneous support provided for high-technology companies.

“Beginning Phase Two just two years after the opening of Phase One of the Institute of Life Science is testament to the remarkable success of the School of Medicine at Swansea University.”

Phase One of Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science (ILS), which was launched in 2007, is recognised as one of the most significant research developments on any UK university campus. Phase Two, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011, will build on this success by providing Swansea University and its’ partners with additional state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facilities and an Imaging Suite.

The building, which will sit on ABMU Health Board land adjacent to the award-winning ILS Phase One building, will also house the innovative Centre for NanoHealth and the forward-looking Centre for Health Informatics, Research and Evaluation (CHIRAL).

Professor Gareth Morgan, Head of the School of Medicine at Swansea University, said: “The second phase of the Institute of Life Science will give researchers and scientists the contemporary, fit-for-purpose, working environment that they require to undertake world-class and internationally recognised research.

“Swansea University’s School of Medicine has been very successful in winning major new research grants for projects that have a positive, direct impact on health. By way of example, the CONSTRUCT project – which focuses on the UK-wide problem of acute severe colitis - is an exemplar of multidisciplinary research that really can translate into patient benefits.”

ILS Phase Two will also bring big benefits for business in Wales.  Business incubation facilities will triple in size with a range of fully operational units, located at the top of the seven storey building, commanding some of the best views in Wales. They will provide the perfect location for high-growth companies in bioscience, medical and healthcare related fields.

One such company has just taken occupancy at ILS Phase One. Seren Technology Ltd is a highly innovative new healthcare device venture, focusing initially on the use of oxygen to bring health benefits to people in their own homes. Seren is currently working on prototypes to explore potential benefits for wound healing, better sleep and rejuvenating skin.

Seren has attracted interest from a range of investors, including investment group Trader Jones which has arranged seed-corn funding of £60,000. The Welsh Assembly Government has also invested £95,000 via its Single Investment Fund.

Laurie Adams, Chairman of Trader Jones, explains: “Trader Jones represents a group of investors, all with Welsh roots, that are actively seeking investment opportunities in Welsh companies.

“Seren Technology Ltd is exactly the sort of innovative and dynamic venture we are looking to fund.  It has a great management team, some seriously heavyweight research expertise and an exciting idea that could bring significant benefits to wound healing, better sleep and skin rejuvenation. We’re delighted that Seren has selected the Institute of Life Science as its home. The combination of business support, modern office accommodation and access to laboratories makes it a winner.”

A crucial element in the development of ILS Phase Two is the School of Medicine’s relationship and heightened interaction with the NHS in Wales, and in particular with the ABMU Health Board.

David Sissling, the Chief Executive of ABMU Health Board, explained: “We are a University Health Board and research which advances excellence in patient care is a key element of our work. We look forward to working in partnership with Swansea University on this exciting new project”

Swansea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies added: “We are very proud of our ambitious and successful School of Medicine at Swansea University.

“The newly-expanded Institute of Life Science will enable us to leverage further benefits for Swansea, Wales and the UK in terms of advances in health and medical care as well as economic development.”

The Institute of Life Science Phase Two has been designed, by Powell Dobson architects, to make best use of natural ventilation and lighting. It is being built to BREAMM Excellent standards.

See also, Work to pave the way for second phase of Institute of life sciences begins.