The proposed building, on the south side of the lake on the University’s Claverton Down campus, will comprise of offices, laboratories and a seminar room, as well as a collaborative work area for researchers to gather and share ideas.

The proposed building will feature a large faceted picture window with glass fins painted with a pattern inspired by the genetic sequences of key organisms.

The design includes viewing areas of the laboratories so that schools and other visitors can watch scientists at work. There will also be educational outreach and public engagement spaces to allow exhibitions and visits by schools and other groups.

Professor Laurence D. Hurst, Director of the Milner Centre for Evolution said, 'This is a really exciting venture for Bath.

'We have a wealth of expertise in evolutionary science at the University, including fundamental research describing new species of dinosaurs and applied study, for example tracking bacterial epidemics in real time and identifying the ‘holy grail’ of human stem cells.

'The new state-of-the-art building will allow us to grow and excel further in the field of evolution research, public engagement and outreach. We will also work closely with schools and engagement professionals to develop an interactive public space for everyone to explore evolutionary research.'

Following planning approval, construction is likely to start in the autumn, as the University enters its 50th anniversary year, with the new Centre expected to open in December 2017.