Should enough money be raised, the institution hopes to provide a space that can be used for teaching and research linked to academic programmes in areas such as sport and exercise sciences, mental health nursing, and psychology in addition to community-focused facilities.

The main elements are: A health, wellbeing, and social hub; a green courtyard to the rear of the Old College building; a pedestrianised plaza, which would be a cycle and pedestrian-friendly gateway to the area; and an energy centre – a new low-carbon facility providing cheaper and cleaner heating.

The courtyard would be created in an outdoor space in between buildings to the rear of the Old College section of the university.

Meanwhile the new hub would be built where the staff car park is currently located on Bell Street.

It would link in with the council’s City Centre Strategic Investment Plan which aims to transform the city centre in the next 30 years.

It’s not yet clear how much the upgrade would cost but the university says it is exploring “external funding” routes, The Courier reports.