The centre, called Chase, will bring together academics working on health, social care, education, wellbeing and equity issues into a base in the centre of Newcastle.

The aims of the centre are to develop the university’s research, education and knowledge exchange expertise to help meet the health and social needs of the city, region and beyond.

Nursing, healthcare, education and social work degrees will run from the site, which will also house laboratories, teaching space and a community engagement zone.

The grant funding follows a £2m award from the Office for Students in 2021 to refurbish and expand the university’s engineering and physics laboratories.

Professor Andy Long, vice-chancellor and chief executive at Northumbria University, said: “Our plans were slowed by the pandemic, but we are now in a position where we can progress and this substantial award from the Office for Students marks the first step of this transformation of our estate.

“As a society we are facing significant health, social and economic inequalities and this new centre will provide a focal point for Northumbria’s excellence in research and education to meet the health and social care needs of stakeholders and communities in the city, the region and beyond.”

Susan Lapworth, chief executive at the Office for Students, said: “Investing in modern buildings and innovative equipment will help universities and colleges in England prepare students for their future careers.

“Competition for funding was strong, with high quality applications from across the sector. The OfS-funded capital projects will ensure current and future students have a positive experience while studying expensive-to-deliver subjects that are strategically important to society.”