RIBA-winning Lyth building officially opens

Brackenhurst Campus’ newest flagship building was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony in January.

Peter Lyth, Reverend Sue Nightingale and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Edward Peck, cutting the official opening ribbon

Last Tuesday, Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) £11.5 million Lyth building – located at the University’s rural campus, Brackenhurst – was officially opened.

While the building has been open and operational since October 2020, the event provided a formal opportunity to celebrate the award-winning architecture and history behind it, having initially been delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The building was named ‘Lyth’ after Philip Lyth – who was the first Principal of Brackenhurst Agricultural College and transformed it into a successful educational establishment.

A number of guests, including members of the Lyth family, arrived in the afternoon where they were welcomed by Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Dawn Scott, Executive Dean of School of Animal, Rural and Environment Sciences (ARES).

Attendees also heard from several CERT (Collaorative Engagement and Retention Team) student mentors who use the facilities, and Robert Evans of Evans Vettori Architects, who designed the building and concept.

The Lyth building official opening ceremony guests, including members of the Lyth family
Dawn Scott, Dean for the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences welcomes guests
Guests mingle and enjoy refreshments in the Lyth foyer
Evans Vettori architect, Robert Evans, talks about the building
The beautiful mirror pool in the Lyth courtyard
Julia Davies, Acting Deputy Dean, presents about the history of Brackenhurst and former principal and building namesake, Philip Lyth
Guests mingle outdoors in the Lyth sheltered courtyard, enjoying refreshments

The Lyth is elegantly situated amongst the Brackenhurst landscape to provide a relaxing environment for colleagues and students. The building accommodates the School’s Environment Centre, as well as becoming a campus hub for students, staff and visitors alike.

It’s home to two stories of research laboratories, geospatial computer laboratories, pioneering SCALE-UP teaching rooms and a 200-capacity lecture theatre, as well as a refectory and meeting spaces.

Last year, the structure was named the 2022 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), East Midlands Building of the Year. Most recently, it has just won a Civic Trust Award and further details on this will be shared soon.