Kenneth Booth
Clegg Breaks Ground on £16m Health Faculty for University of Sheffield

Clegg Breaks Ground on £16m Health Faculty for University of Sheffield

Clegg Construction has commenced work on a major new health facility at the University of Sheffield, marking the start of a £16 million development that will support world-leading research into neurodegenerative diseases. The project will see the expansion of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which plays a vital

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TCC gets fit with Gym Group projects

TCC gets fit with Gym Group projects

A leading Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support the development of half a dozen new gyms across the UK. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to project manage and provide quantity surveying to gyms being developed by The Gym Group. The new contracts will bring to

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Wolverhampton MP reopens historic Royal Hospital as Nightingale House

Wolverhampton MP reopens historic Royal Hospital as Nightingale House

Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, has opened Nightingale House, the new name for the former Royal Hospital.  To celebrate the official opening, residents living at Nightingale House and partners involved in the transformation welcomed Rt Hon Pat McFadden for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.   The historic site,

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Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson is set to take full control of Brent Cross, one of Greater London’s most prominent shopping centres, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its retail portfolio. The real estate investment trust has announced its intention to acquire the remaining 59% stake in the centre, currently held by

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CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen,

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Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation.  Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College,

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Latest Issue
Issue 340 : May 2026

Kenneth Booth

UK Metro Mayor Headliners Announced for the Official UKREiiF After Party: Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025

UK Metro Mayor Headliners Announced for the Official UKREiiF After Party: Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025

Six of the UK’s metro mayors have been announced to go head-to-head on the decks for an iconic night of musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. At only £20 a ticket, concertgoers at the Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will be the first to witness battles between: Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues, on 21 May 2025. For one night only, the mayors will deliver spinbacks not speeches, and the only fiery debate will be whether house is better than techno.  After the regional rivalries have been tested, each Mayor will return to deliver the most crucial performance of their life: a final track followed by a crowd-powered vote, for the audience will decide which of the mayors is worthy of following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses, The Killers, and Robbie Williams in taking to the O2 Academy stage. This landmark event will raise money for UKREiiF’s official charity partner Regeneration Brainery.  All monies raised from ticket sales will go towards Regeneration Brainery’s continuing support of more than 6,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in the property and regeneration industry.   Regeneration Brainery’s national social mobility programme offers in-depth insights into the property industry, through workshops, work experience, and opportunities to connect with inspirational mentors. “Brainees” develop crucial employability skills, with over a third of participants now in the industry.  Ticketholders can expect a dazzling production, an all-star lineup of mayors-turned-DJs, and an electrifying clash of styles, from disco anthems to indie classics. This will be an evening where politics takes a backseat, and the musical talents of the nation’s regional leaders are revealed. Tim Heatley, Co-Founder of Capital & Centric, said: “I’m buzzing to be teaming up with Regeneration Brainery and the Metro Mayors for the first ever Multi Metro Mayor DJ Battle! Its an epic venue, an even better cause, and with Capital & Centric involved, you know it’s going to be a proper party. Huge thanks to the various businesses backing the event to make sure its absolutely epic. Expect thrills, spills and some unexpected DJ skills on the night” Michele Steel, Chief Executive of Regeneration Brainery, said: “I cannot wait for what will be a truly iconic night, to see our headliners seriously impress us with their unexpected musical talents, whilst raising money for an amazing organisation. An evening of classic tunes and great dance moves all created by our Metro Mayors is not one to miss. This really will be the most unique debate of their lives, and I can’t wait to find out who is voted the winner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Savills launches opportunity to acquire development rights for Ready-to-Build (RTB) Solar PV Project

Savills launches opportunity to acquire development rights for Ready-to-Build (RTB) Solar PV Project

Savills Earth Capital Advisory, on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, is launching the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, which provides an opportunity to buy the development rights to a ready-to-build (RTB) solar PV scheme. Situated just outside Caerphilly, the proposed C. 20 MW farm secured planning permission in May 2024, with c. 81 acres of land under an option to lease. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, says, “This sale offers an excellent opportunity for investors to acquire a well-planned renewable energy project with substantial potential for positive impact. We anticipate strong interest from investors, community energy groups and public sector organisations and look forward to supporting Caerphilly County Borough Council throughout the process.” Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Caerphilly Councils Deputy Leader, adds,  “This is an exciting and innovative initiative, which aims to help deliver our targets to lower carbon emissions and at the same time generate a financial return that can be reinvested into services, which is vital during the current challenges we face.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clegg Breaks Ground on £16m Health Faculty for University of Sheffield

Clegg Breaks Ground on £16m Health Faculty for University of Sheffield

Clegg Construction has commenced work on a major new health facility at the University of Sheffield, marking the start of a £16 million development that will support world-leading research into neurodegenerative diseases. The project will see the expansion of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), which plays a vital role in advancing research into conditions such as motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. Located on the corner of Glossop Road and Clarkehouse Road, the Faculty of Health Phase 1 scheme involves the demolition of existing buildings at the Barber House Annex and Central Garages site. In their place, a modern three-storey facility will be constructed, complete with new landscaping and external works. The building will be physically linked to the existing SITraN centre via a dedicated corridor, extending laboratory space and enhancing opportunities for collaboration between university researchers and clinicians at the neighbouring Royal Hallamshire Hospital. It will also include flexible teaching areas, office space, and workspaces for students, staff, and visiting academics. Designed to blend with the university’s wider campus, the development will create a new frontage on Glossop Road, with two storeys visible from the main road and a third at the rear, responding to the natural slope of the site. Craig Gibbons, contracts manager at Clegg Construction, commented: “This is our fourth contract with the University of Sheffield, and we’re delighted to have started on site. SITraN is renowned for its groundbreaking research, and this development will further support its critical work while strengthening links with the clinical teams at Royal Hallamshire Hospital.” The scheme has been designed by architect Bond Bryan, with Ridge providing structural engineering services. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Shakespeare Martineau advises Great Places on major £104m Wigan housing deal

Shakespeare Martineau advises Great Places on major £104m Wigan housing deal

Full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised Great Places Housing Group on a landmark £104 million development scheme at Mosley Common in Wigan – a major housing scheme that will deliver more than 1,000 new homes, including 369 affordable properties. The deal involved the purchase of the first 100 acres of the site from Peel Land by Kellen Homes. Of the 1,044 homes planned for the full development, 815 will be built on this initial phase by Kellen Homes in partnership with Great Places and Taylor Wimpey. With planning permission already secured, the Mosley Common scheme will provide a mix of tenures and housing types alongside investment in transport links, green spaces and local infrastructure – creating a sustainable, well-connected new neighbourhood in Wigan. Hazel Doolan, development programme manager at Great Places, said: “This is a fantastic example of how collaboration across sectors can deliver real impact. Mosley Common will provide a wide range of much-needed homes – including 369 affordable properties – in a thriving, sustainable community. “Our thanks go to Shakespeare Martineau for their expert support in navigating a complex transaction and helping us secure our role in this transformative scheme. We’re pleased to be working alongside Peel Land, Kellen Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Wigan Council to bring this ambitious vision to life.” The complex deal was completed under tight timescales and required extensive cross-discipline collaboration. It was led by land partner Jack Kelly and social housing legal director Anita Rasaratnam, supported by residential development associate Joe Davies. The Shakespeare Martineau team advised on 13 separate legal documents across the transaction, ensuring Great Places was well positioned to play a leading role in the development. Jack said: “We’re proud to have supported Great Places on a deal that will have a lasting impact on the Wigan community. This development delivers not just new homes but vital infrastructure and affordable housing, all aligned with regional growth plans. It’s a brilliant example of the value that can be unlocked when housing and land experts collaborate closely. “This work reflects our commitment to supporting housing associations and public interest developments. This deal ensures Great Places will continue to play a vital role in shaping inclusive, sustainable communities.” The Mosley Common site was allocated in the Places for Everyone framework and is expected to move into the construction phase later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TCC gets fit with Gym Group projects

TCC gets fit with Gym Group projects

A leading Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support the development of half a dozen new gyms across the UK. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to project manage and provide quantity surveying to gyms being developed by The Gym Group. The new contracts will bring to more than 50 the number of gym projects supported by TCC for the Croydon-based group. The latest contracts will provide new gyms all over the UK including London, West Yorkshire, East Anglia and Scotland. They are due for completion later this year. TCC has been involved in projects for The Gym Group for several years and has delivered fitness facilities in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, Nottingham, Southampton, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Newcastle and Edinburgh among others. TCC director James Smith said,  “The Gym Group has been a loyal client of ours for several years and we are delighted to be able to support their ambitious plans to roll out more facilities in the UK, using our extensive project management and quantity surveying capabilities.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wolverhampton MP reopens historic Royal Hospital as Nightingale House

Wolverhampton MP reopens historic Royal Hospital as Nightingale House

Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, has opened Nightingale House, the new name for the former Royal Hospital.  To celebrate the official opening, residents living at Nightingale House and partners involved in the transformation welcomed Rt Hon Pat McFadden for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.   The historic site, which had stood empty since its closure in 1997, has been revitalised as part of a wider area transformation made possible through the collaborative efforts of whg, City of Wolverhampton Council, Homes England, the West Midlands Combined Authority and developer Morro Partnerships.  Through careful restoration, the Grade II listed building has been transformed into 38 one- and two-bedroom apartments, available for affordable rent as part of a housing scheme for people over the age of 55.   The renovation maintains the building’s architectural heritage, including three stained glass windows installed in the chapel in 1967. The building also features new modern eco-friendly amenities such as air source heat pumps for heating to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.  Earlier in the day, former hospital staff also gathered for a reunion event to share their memories of working life at the Royal Hospital. In addition, a blue plaque  sponsored by the Royal Hospital Nurses League, was unveiled. Sir Stephen Moss, who has dedicated 57 years to the NHS, unveiled the plaque to celebrate the legacy and care of Wolverhampton NHS staff.   Gary Fulford, Group Chief Executive, at whg, said: “I want to thank Rt Hon Pat McFadden for marking this momentous occasion with us.  “The former Royal Hospital building has stood empty since 1997, however, its historical significance as a place for people, and a place of care, has been preserved through our innovative wellbeing scheme.   “This remarkable transformation has only been possible through the power of partnership, with Nightingale House setting the standard for what is possible in the regeneration of historic buildings. Now, the site offers a supportive environment where residents can live independently while enjoying communal spaces that foster a sense of community.  “It’s been a pleasure welcoming everyone to the official opening of Nightingale House and celebrating the thriving community that has been established here.”   Commenting on the opening of Nightingale House, Matt Moore, CEO at Morro Partnerships said: “This project has been about so much more than just a regeneration; it’s the start of a vibrant new community, contributing to the wider area and supporting the lives of local people, all of which is at the heart of Morro Partnerships.   “We are proud to have worked alongside whg, City of Wolverhampton Council, and Homes England to bring this vision to life, providing much-needed, high-quality homes for the over 55s in Wolverhampton.   “The excitement surrounding today’s grand launch, coupled with the touching reunion of former hospital colleagues, truly highlights the importance of this site to the city. We are grateful to Rt Hon Pat McFadden for his support in marking this significant step forward.”  City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “The former Royal Hospital is an iconic building in Wolverhampton and has played a huge part in the lives of so many of our citizens.    “whg and Morro Partnerships have made a remarkable job of restoring and converting it to much-needed housing and created a community for our over 55s residents.    “It is also in keeping with the wonderful transformation of the Royal Quarter as a whole over recent years where the council has worked tirelessly with partners to regenerate the area as a key gateway to the city centre, driving further investment and giving our residents and businesses opportunities to thrive.”  Owned and managed by whg, Nightingale House is its seventh wellbeing scheme, offering affordable rental homes for people aged 55 and over. The scheme has a dedicated wellbeing officer, meaning residents can maintain their independence and live in their own home, whilst knowing there is someone on hand if needed.  For more information about life at Nightingale House, please visit whg.uk.com/nightingale-house  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker Runs 5K a Day to Honour 7,000 Lives Lost to Suicide in Construction

Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker Runs 5K a Day to Honour 7,000 Lives Lost to Suicide in Construction

Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker is Running to Rebuild What Suicide Took Away…. Joe Baker from Bromsgrove is running 5K every single day in May to raise awareness of the construction industry’s suicide crisis — a challenge inspired by his own battle with addiction and mental health, and dedicated to the 7,000 lives already lost. Every single day this May, Bromsgrove boy, Joe Baker will be lacing up his trainers and running 5 kilometres. No rest days. No shortcuts. Just one man running daily in honour of the thousands who never got to keep going. Joe isn’t training for a medal — he’s taking on this relentless challenge to raise awareness of the mental health crisis facing construction workers, and to support The Lost City campaign. It’s a personal mission, rooted in pain, purpose, and the hope that things can change. The Man Behind the Miles Joe is the founder of Second City Screed, a respected Midlands construction business. But before that, life looked very different. “I attempted suicide. I was deep into addiction. Really, really struggling.” His lowest point came before he joined the construction industry. Covid, isolation, and alcohol nearly broke him. But through reaching out and getting sober, Joe began the long road back. Now he’s putting one foot in front of the other — literally — to make sure others get that same chance. “It was talking to people that saved me. That and becoming sober.” The Challenge: 5K Every Day for May Throughout the month of May, Joe is running 5 kilometres every single day — no matter the weather, how sore he feels, or how much life gets in the way. “I haven’t trained for this. But that’s the point — it’s meant to be hard. Because this issue is hard.” Each run is a symbol of the mental load so many in the industry carry silently. Fatigue. Financial stress. Loneliness. Grief. These runs are for them — for the ones still battling, and the ones already lost. What Is the Lost City? Joe’s challenge supports The Lost City campaign — a powerful initiative that visualises what the construction industry has lost to suicide: 🏠 150,000 homes🏫 80 schools🏥 3 hospitals That’s what 7,000 lost lives could have built in the past decade — if they’d been here. But this isn’t just about missed output. It’s about fathers, sons, friends and colleagues whose lives were cut short. It’s not a personal problem — it’s an industry-wide emergency. “We Build the Country — But Who Builds Us Back Up?” “The roads, the railways, the homes we live in — they’re all built by people like us. But we’re undervalued. Underappreciated. And when we break, no one notices until it’s too late.” Joe’s message is simple: enough is enough. Through his 5K-a-day challenge, he’s raising money for Band of Builders and Construction Sport, charities at the forefront of suicide prevention and mental health support in the trades. How You Can Help You can back Joe’s mission in three ways: Because the buildings we live, learn, and heal in wouldn’t exist without construction workers — and they deserve to live full, supported lives too. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS BACKGROUND As of the first quarter of 2024, the construction industry employment figures for the UK regions are as follows:  This workforce is predominantly male, with women comprising about 12.5% of the total.  The industry also has a notable proportion of self-employed workers; in 2020, out of the 2.1 million construction workers, approximately 727,000 were self-employed. In terms of regional distribution, over a third of construction businesses in 2020 were located in London and the South East of England. The industry faces challenges related to workforce demographics, including an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled labour. These issues have been exacerbated by factors such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted the availability of both domestic and migrant workers. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges through initiatives aimed at improving training, attracting new talent, and enhancing diversity within the sector. However, the industry continues to grapple with issues related to mental health, job security, and working conditions, which affect the overall well-being and productivity of its workforce. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson is set to take full control of Brent Cross, one of Greater London’s most prominent shopping centres, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its retail portfolio. The real estate investment trust has announced its intention to acquire the remaining 59% stake in the centre, currently held by Abrdn’s UK Shopping Centre Trust (SCUT), in a deal valued at £200 million. Hammerson already holds a significant interest in Brent Cross and, including the SCUT units it has purchased or agreed to purchase, now controls more than 90% of the asset. The acquisition process is still underway, with Hammerson confirming that further updates will be provided in due course. Brent Cross boasts over 914,000 square feet of retail space across two floors, featuring more than 120 shops and 30 cafés and restaurants. Anchor tenants include M&S, Fenwick, and Zara, with a diverse line-up of brands such as Miele, Superdrug, Reserved, Phase Eight and Ray-Ban also present. This move follows Hammerson’s acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Westquay, Southampton, last autumn, signalling a continued focus on consolidating ownership of key retail destinations within its portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen, and London locations, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fabric engineering. DC Thomson, a family-owned company headquartered in Dundee, has properties spanning the UK, including both office and manufacturing assets. As a leading provider of facilities and workplace solutions in Scotland with significant technical expertise, CBRE’s focus will be supporting DC Thomson in protecting the integrity of the estate, implementing planned and proactive maintenance regimes, and enhancing statutory compliance. CBRE will also work closely with DC Thomson and their advisor, Cadeama Consulting, to preserve the company’s presence in the local communities in which they operate, crafting a bespoke supply chain strategy that prioritises local organisations and delivers social value. Alex Noyce, Business Unit Director – Scotland at CBRE GWS says: “We are thrilled to be working with DC Thomson and supporting them as they look to enhance their portfolio. “This collaboration brings together CBRE’s hard-services heritage with DC Thomson’s commitment to property maintenance, community engagement, and sustainability. Our shared values and understanding of the unique demands of the media industry make this relationship a perfect fit. “We look forward to supporting DC Thomson in protecting their heritage and assets. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the long-term preservation of their properties.” Ian Simpson, Head of Estates and Operations at DC Thomson says: “We are delighted to be working with CBRE GWS to deliver our facilities management services. Although they are a globally renowned organisation, we are impressed by their local expertise and commitment to developing an integrated and sustainable supply chain that promotes growth and jobs across the communities in which we operate. “We expect this appointment will deliver a step change in the way we provide services to the wider DC Thomson community. CBRE’s approach to date has given us confidence that working with them will achieve that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation.  Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College, with its trailblazing USP Immersive Theatre, both spaces were designed to challenge the norms of traditional teaching and deliver deeply engaging, real-world-ready learning environments. Designing the Future with USP College At USP College, the goal was ambitious: to build a flexible immersive theatre that could seamlessly incorporate VR and provide an experience far beyond conventional classrooms’ limits. In an interview with Dan Pearson, USP College CEO, he quoted saying “we have a vision of what we want the space to be able to do. A strategic vision about… future purpose and ensure we stay ahead of time. We knew that the architects that we chose have to be somebody that deliver, someone that can come and give it the wow factor.” WindsorPatania Architects was the chosen entity and led the charge from day one. “Design information was presented in a format that enabled both the client and building user to easily understand how the physical space was going to be utilised,” said John Blundell (MCIOB) from TJEvers. This early alignment helped everyone involved see the vision. As the Architect Director of this project, my main challenge, as usual, is to keep everything together. All these orders, requests, as well as the budget constraints, the timeline. And we’re really pleased to say that we managed to achieve our great results.” The team tackled key design requirements such as adaptability, future-proofing, and ease of use well before construction. Their early involvement ensured that the physical environment would serve the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Our Development Director, Ryan Windsor notes that when we’re thinking about what we’re doing to the space and how we’re gonna transform it, we often think about assets. We want to create an asset for the College or Universities. We want to inspire the students. James McInroy, USP College Executive Director shared that- “What we’ve done is… provided brand-new facilities which are modern, state-of-the-art, and conducive with the current climate and reflect the external employment environment.” One of the most significant breakthroughs came from how the people involved used VR during the design phase. “The ability of the VR technology to quickly model on ‘Site Survey’ and ‘As Built’ information greatly assisted design change, coordination of M&E services, and installation of FF&E elements,” Blundell added. Despite the project’s technical complexity, the group completed the immersive theatre fit-out in 12 weeks—a testament to Windsor Patania Architects streamlined design and integration process. Chris Murgatroyd, USP College Vice Principal Academic added, “previously, the space was drab, it was old, it was tired, it was slightly depressing to walk into.” WindsorPatania Architects’ task was to come in and build that wow factor. We decided to go for a really minimalistic look for everything, such as old tribunes, the sitting area, the monitor, and we just decided to emphasize the ceiling as the main feature of the space. Dan Pearson commented that -” the transformation was outstanding”. After seeing the complete transformation of the spaces. While Chris Murgatroyd added a compliment as “Now, when we come into the area, it’s engaging, and it’s exciting.” Steven Hendy, USP College CFO, expresses his desire to have an environment that is available to all USP College students. He is proud that the investment has paid off. When you design a beautiful space with a wow factor, you also have to think about how you get to the space from outside. So, in the case of the immersive theatre, we found the opportunity to create feature corridors, like a portal that leads you to a new dimension. As you’re walking into the new space, you feel like something beautiful is going to happen. And as you open the doors and enter, your expectations are fully satisfied as you see a stunning masterpiece bought together by a collaboration of experts with a feature of a delicate and illuminated ceiling which highlights the area. The main aspect of the T-level labs to make them successful as a design was to channel all the requests and the brief from the college itself into a functional layout. Creating Connection with The XR Lab At Eastern Education Group, the vision was clear: build a space that removes the barrier of geography and brings education closer to the real world. The result was the XR Lab—an immersive environment where students don’t just learn about their subjects, but they live them. Learners can use the XR Lab in a wide range of subjects: health, counselling, chemistry, engineering, renewables, maths, logistics, and more. “There are so many examples,” Tom Lloyd shared. Every Friday, our health and applied science students come into study using a specific piece of software that our team has created.” Staff also receive training and hands-on support. “As part of every personal development day, all staff get the chance to work and better understand the capabilities of the XR lab,” Tom Lloyd said. “The XR team are [sic] available to offer significant support to them every time they want to use the new technology.” Designing this space meant considering how students of all learning styles and abilities would interact with the technology. Ethical use, community engagement, and preferred learning styles were all factored into WindsorPatania’s thoughtful and inclusive design approach. “We wanted to create a cutting-edge space that would remove the barrier of geography and close the gap between industry and education,” said Tom Lloyd from Eastern Education Group. The impact has been transformational. “It increases engagement in our experience. It also stimulates excitement to learn and supports knowledge and skill acquisition. The data captured backs this up,” Tom Lloyd added. The immersive nature of the lab boosts student motivation, and early data trends point to better learning outcomes

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