A £29 million building project is being planned for a cash-strapped university.

The University of Sussex - which has proposed to cut 115 jobs to fill a £5 million funding gap - wants to replace out-of-date buildings with a new lecture theatre and teaching space.

The project, which is part of a 30-year masterplan for the university, has prompted criticism that redundancies are being planned at the same time as massive investment is taking place.

If approved work would begin next year and would finish in 2012.

A spokeswoman for the university said cash for the new building was ring-fenced and separate from the budgets used to fund teaching.

Opponents claim money borrowed to pay for the building work could be spent on meeting the shortfall in teaching budgets.

Courses earmarked for staff cuts include life sciences, informatics and engineering and design, with the Schools of English and History, Art History and Philosophy also affected. About half the jobs are expected to go in support services, such as porters and student advisors. The proposed cuts have provoked demonstrations and bitter opposition.

Brighton and Hove City Council is due to make a decision on the application by March.