The plans initially got the go ahead from Bristol City Council in February, but new plans were put forward after North Bristol NHS Trust reviewed its policies and included more floor-space in the academic centre.

Construction is expected to start in late summer, after formal approval by the trust board and the strategic health authority. The buildings are expected to be completed by summer 2009.

The 6,000 sq ft, four-floor academic centre will accommodate North Bristol NHS Trust's training and education facilities and the research activities currently undertaken at Southmead by the University of Bristol. It will include seminar rooms, a lecture theatre and administration offices.

The 5,000 sq ft pathology building will provide a state-of-the-art genetics facility.