Morgan Sindall Construction has secured a £29.3m contract to deliver a major redevelopment at Villiers High School in Southall, commissioned by Ealing Council. The scheme centres on the construction of a new three-storey “eco block”, replacing an ageing 1960s building with a modern, energy-efficient teaching facility. Procured through the Southern Construction Framework, the project reflects a growing focus on sustainable education infrastructure across London boroughs. Once complete, the new building will provide 22 classrooms, 11 science laboratories and six ICT and media suites, alongside staff welfare areas and a rooftop sky garden designed to enhance both biodiversity and student wellbeing. Sustainability is a key driver of the development. The facility will incorporate air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, aligning with the school’s wider environmental objectives and contributing to reduced operational carbon. Beyond the physical build, the project includes a comprehensive social value programme aimed at boosting local employment and skills. Delivered in partnership with organisations including West London College, Jobcentre Plus, Construction Youth Trust and Bounce Back, the initiative will create 10 new jobs, alongside three apprenticeships, 16 work experience placements and a T-Level opportunity. Additional engagement will include site visits, careers events, workshops and pre-employment training, helping to connect local people with opportunities in the construction sector. The project highlights continued investment in education estates while demonstrating how sustainability and community value are becoming integral to public sector construction schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Topping out ceremony marks pivotal moment for centre backed by £50 million investment set to transform the region’s space economy. A landmark moment in the development of Northumbria University’s North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) has been celebrated as the facility reached a major construction milestone with a traditional topping out ceremony in Newcastle. Attended by leaders from academia, industry, government, civic and construction partners, the ceremony marked the point at which the building reached its full height – a significant milestone in the delivery of a centre that will play a key role in training the UK’s future space workforce. NESST is a strategic collaboration between Northumbria University, the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, backed by £50 million of investment spanning the facility itself and the initial research programmes it will house. It will provide state-of-the-art research facilities, satellite testing capabilities and dedicated skills programmes designed to develop the next generation of space professionals. When open, it is expected to become one of the most significant space education and research facilities in the UK, supporting government ambitions around the nation’s space priorities over the coming years. The ceremony, which was led by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, was held on the 6th floor of the building, with guests welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies and accompanied by a traditional piper. As part of the topping out ritual, Professor John Woodward, Pro Vice-Chancellor of International and Faculty of Science and Environment at Northumbria University, and Gary Tidyman, Works Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine, poured the final concrete before nailing the evergreen bough to the structure, a symbolic gesture of good fortune. Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Northumbria University, said: “The topping out of NESST is a major milestone for Northumbria, for our partners at the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin Space, and for the North East. NESST really embodies everything about the University’s strategy. It enables high quality research, which will have an impact on the North East and wider. It enables us to establish new taught programmes, which give opportunities to students from our region and lead to great jobs in the space sector. And it will inspire young people in the region, so that more of them will go on to further and higher education, helping us with our ambitions around driving social mobility.” The North East is home to a growing cluster of space sector activity, the region’s established industrial heritage, research excellence and emerging skills infrastructure. NESST builds on this foundation, with research capabilities spanning satellite technology, space medicine and mission-critical systems. The centre is the latest recognition of the North East’s strategic importance to the UK space economy. Earlier this year, NESST was named sixth in its category in the inaugural fDi Intelligence Investment Impact Awards, ranking among the most transformative foreign direct investment projects in Europe. Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space, talked about creating a hub for innovation and inspiration for the UK, in the UK: “When we first announced our intent to support NESST, our goal was clear: to create a permanent pipeline of talent, innovation and applied research right here in the UK. Today, that vision is taking shape. NESST is just one part of Lockheed Martin Space’s planned investment in this area – we also have plans for a space manufacturing facility at NETPark in County Durham. By joining these ecosystems together, the North East can become an exporter of space technology long-term, continuing the proud legacy of innovation from this region.” The ceremony concluded with the exchange of engraved tankards and a celebratory toast, honouring the teams who brought NESST to this milestone. Mark Gardham, Sector Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “NESST is a project of remarkable ambition, and reaching this milestone is a testament to professionalism, teamwork and collaboration at every level. When NESST opens later this year, it will be a national space asset. It is an honour to play our part in shaping a facility that will have a lasting impact on this region and on the UK’s place in the global space sector.” NESST is expected to open in late 2026. For more information about NESST please visit: www.northumbria.ac.uk/nesst Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Contractor Graham is poised to take on a central role in London Metropolitan University’s £284m estate overhaul after emerging as the sole bidder for the long-running procurement. The contractor is expected to be appointed as strategic delivery partner under a wide-ranging agreement that will run to 2031, with the option to extend to 2036. The deal will cover both capital works and facilities management across the university’s campuses in Holloway, Aldgate and Shoreditch. Under the proposed arrangement, Graham will be responsible for delivering new build and refurbishment schemes, while also providing early-stage buildability and lifecycle advice during design development. Once projects are completed, the contractor will take on ongoing facilities management, creating a fully integrated approach to the estate’s long-term operation and performance. A key focus of the programme will be the decarbonisation of the university’s estate, alongside improving the condition, efficiency and functionality of existing buildings. The partnership is also expected to deliver wider social value outcomes as part of the long-term investment strategy. The redevelopment forms part of London Metropolitan University’s estates strategy, launched in 2022, which set out a roadmap for major investment through to 2032. The programme aims to address ageing infrastructure while creating modern, flexible learning environments. At the heart of the plans is the transformation of the Holloway Road campus in Islington. The masterplan, developed by Design Engine Architects alongside Buro Happold and Gardiner & Theobald, includes the demolition of selected buildings to create a new central courtyard space. This will sit behind the Daniel Liebeskind-designed student building and will be accompanied by a comprehensive refurbishment of the adjacent 12-storey tower. Elsewhere, works at the Aldgate Campus and the Accelerator building will focus primarily on refurbishment and targeted upgrades, enhancing existing facilities rather than wholesale redevelopment. The scheme represents a significant investment in higher education infrastructure in London and reflects a growing trend towards long-term, partnership-led delivery models that combine construction and facilities management. Formal confirmation of Graham’s appointment is expected later this month, marking the next step in delivering one of the capital’s largest university estate transformation programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire has been awarded a £16.1m contract to reconstruct St Helens Primary School in Hartlepool. The project is being delivered on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) and the Northern Lights Learning Trust. Located in Headland, the school caters to 374 pupils. This includes an Additional Resourced Provision (ARP) specifically designed to support 25 children with Special Educational Needs. The rebuild is significant as it acts as a cost pilot for the DfE. The initiative aims to investigate best practices and identify ways to secure greater value through the wider School Rebuilding Programme. The new two-storey facility is designed to be Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCiO), utilising passive design principles to enhance energy efficiency and reduce future maintenance and utility costs. The modernised campus will feature dedicated classrooms for infant, junior, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) pupils. Facilities will also include a library, a main hall, a nursery, and a staffroom. Externally, the site will provide both soft and hard play areas alongside on-site parking. Jeremy Barnett, Managing Director for Galliford Try North East and Yorkshire, said: “St Helens’ existing buildings have exceeded their expected service life and we’re looking forward to delivering a modern learning environment that enables students to reach their full potential.” The project is scheduled for completion and handover in Summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

MULTI-disciplinary consultancy Pulse Consult is working closely with the University of Warwick Science Park to refurbish its Vanguard Centre, a building that dates back to the 1970s, enhancing existing facilities to better support research and innovation within the Life Sciences sector. Working under direct award, the £6m project will deliver approx. 13,600 sq ft of dedicated premium lab space and 8,000 sq ft of office space. The ground floor will be converted into 13 individual premium accessible R&D laboratory spaces with flexibility to be connected to support growth. The first floor will house eight offices, a collection of modern meeting rooms, inspiring collaborative workspaces and a social and events area. This will provide university research partners and commercial tenants with additional space to conduct pioneering research. Jason Fretter, director at Pulse Consult, said: “We recognise the vital role that well-designed, functional facilities play in driving innovation and research. That’s why we are particularly pleased to have been appointed to deliver this project, building on our strong existing relationship with the University of Warwick and supporting the successful refurbishment of the Vanguard Centre. “By creating premium accessible R&D laboratories and flexible office spaces tailored to the evolving needs of researchers and commercial partners, we hope this project will not only enhance the campus but also attract top talent and pioneering activity to the region. We are excited to collaborate with the University of Warwick Science Park to bring this innovative space to life and support the cutting-edge research that will shape the future.” The refurbishment incorporates a range of sustainability measures including new windows, added insulation to external walls and infill panels on both floors using CLT timber. Electric heating has been installed with plans for future PV panels, all contributing to an improved EPC rating. Pulse Consult is providing project management, quantity surveying and employer’s agent services, drawing on its longstanding relationships with university contacts to ensure the project runs smoothly. Completion is scheduled for Autumn 2026. Emma Turner, business development manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “The transformation of the Vanguard Centre will put the Science Park at the forefront of conversations across the industry with incoming companies benefiting from high-quality, flexible working spaces, collaborative and coworking opportunities and benefiting from links with a top-ranked university. “Availablity of lab space within the region is a challenge for many businesses needing to find suitable premises and is at a significant premium due to lack of supply in areas of high demand. “The Vanguard Centre will relieve some of this pressure, and the space will be priced competitively without compromising on quality. “We’re confident the Vanguard Centre would make the perfect base for companies in need of modern R&D space with competitive pricing and attention to detail being given at every stage of this project.” For more information, visit www.pulseconsult.co.uk.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

G F Tomlinson has successfully completed works at Redmoor Academy in Hinckley, marking the official handover of the school’s brand-new sports hall and associated facilities. The contractor worked in close partnership with S2e – Surveyors to Education – which served as Employer’s Agent on the scheme, ensuring the smooth delivery of the project from planning through to completion. Delivered on behalf of Leicestershire County Council, the project provides high-quality new teaching and sports accommodation to support the academy’s continued growth and to enrich the educational experience of its pupils. The completed works include a 696 sq. metre hall designed for a range of indoor sports including cricket, basketball, netball, badminton and handball. Supporting facilities include dedicated changing rooms, a reception area, offices, four classrooms and a fitness room – all of which create modern, flexible and inspiring learning environments. This new development builds upon G F Tomlinson’s previous improvement works at the school, including the delivery of a new teacher’s car park last year. G F Tomlinson worked alongside S2E – Surveyors 2 Education, which acted as the Employers agent on the scheme. Andy Sewards, Group Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to mark the successful completion of this significant scheme at Redmoor Academy. The new sports hall and teaching spaces represent a major investment in the future of the school and will have a positive impact on generations of students. It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with the academy and Leicestershire County Council to deliver facilities that not only enhance pupil learning but also support the wider community.” Redmoor Academy Principal, Matt Nicolle, said: “Seeing this project completed is a proud moment for our school, and the new sports and teaching facilities will transform the opportunities available to our students – supporting both their academic development and physical wellbeing. This is a facility that truly reflects the ambitions and values of Redmoor Academy, and we are excited to see our pupils and local community make full use of it.” Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We are delighted to see the new facilities at Redmoor Academy open. This is one of our biggest investments in helping schools to expand so they can accommodate rising pupil numbers and also offer the best possible learning environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties division has begun a major £16.2 million redevelopment of the Burnside Secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Chingford. Appointed by the Department for Education (DfE), the project is part of the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme and was procured through the 2021 construction framework. The project will see the delivery of a modern teaching block and a hall and sports block, linked by a glazed corridor, across the 1,815m² site. Works will be completed in three phases, with the teaching block scheduled for handover in late 2026 and final completion expected in spring 2028. The teaching block will feature six multi-purpose classrooms, a specialist science laboratory, and an art and design studio, while the hall and sports block will house a new sports hall, dining area, food technology and fitness rooms. A new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) will provide outdoor sports facilities for both pupils and the local community. Staff amenities will include offices, a staff room, and storage space. Burnside PRU currently educates up to 48 pupils aged 11-16, including those with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) who have faced challenges in mainstream education. To minimise disruption, existing single-storey buildings will be demolished in stages as new construction progresses. Phase one focuses on demolishing the Burwood Centre to build the teaching block, phase two involves the adjacent block, and phase three covers hard and soft landscaping. Special consideration has been given to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing. Design features include privacy in outdoor spaces, muted paint tones, calming lighting, and durable materials for long-term use. The new facilities will include a library, careers space, SEN therapy room, and ICT suite, all tailored to meet the needs of PRU pupils. Sustainability is central to the scheme. Precast flooring and stairs will reduce on-site waste and carbon emissions, while photovoltaic panels, an air source heat pump, and Closed Panel Timber construction aim to support net-zero carbon operation. Morgan Sindall will also use its CarboniCa digital tool to track and minimise the building’s embodied carbon. The project will deliver social value for the local community through engagement with a nearby primary school, university, and community centre, alongside apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for local residents. The Burnside PRU redevelopment demonstrates Morgan Sindall’s continued expertise in delivering complex educational projects in live, sensitive environments while prioritising sustainability and community impact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Children who are permanently excluded or at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools in North Hertfordshire are a step closer to having a new purpose-built teaching centre following a groundbreaking celebration to mark the start of construction. The ceremony, at North Herts Education Support Centre (NHESC), Briar Patch in Letchworth was hosted by Hitchin-based contractor Ashe Construction, and was attended by representatives of the Education Support Centre, Hertfordshire County Council, architect Saunders Boston and the project’s consultants. Hertfordshire County Council is working in partnership with NHESC to provide a purpose-built replacement for its teaching centre at Briar Patch Lane and appointed Ashe to design and build the new facility. Rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, NHESC provides an alternative education for excluded students, or students who are at risk of exclusion, with the aim of supporting a return to permanent full-time education. NHESC currently operates across two sites, Briar Patch in Letchworth and Bancroft in Hitchin. The expansion at Briar Patch will increase capacity from 33 to 40 pupils, allowing NHESC to operate from one purpose-built centre. The new building will provide seven new classrooms and additional rooms for practical activities such as construction, science and food technology. There will be spaces for IT, a common room, fitness suite, administrative areas, and dedicated support spaces. Ashe’s construction and technical director Daniel Armes explained: “It’s exciting to see work starting on site to provide an inspiring, well-designed learning environment. We are currently in our groundworks phase which also includes preparation for a new grass games pitch. “In March we will start erecting the building structure and in April we will start work on the brickwork. All windows and curtain walling will be double glazed and the south facing windows will have solar shading to prevent overheating. “Once watertight in June, the mechanical and electrical works will start, and we’ll be installing the floors and ceilings. Then we’ll undertake the fit out and decorate the new building ready for students to move into their brand-new, purpose-built facilities in November.” The new building has been designed for energy efficiency with high levels of insulation, air source heat pumps, and LED lighting. Dan Nearney, Executive Head at North Herts Education Support Centre, described the benefits the new building will provide. He said: “Both of the existing education support centres were not fit for purpose. “This new facility at Briar Patch is designed for our children and will have a transformational effect on them. It will improve their life chances and help them towards their next steps whether it be college, university, an apprenticeship or returning to mainstream school. “Following our recent Outstanding Ofsted report, just imagine what we can do with the new building! We will be able to support at least 40 children and become a community resource for 5–16-year-olds.  We’ll be supporting the community better than ever before. “Our new Centre will enable us to provide hot meals and sports facilities with an outdoor space for use in the summer. The first floor will accommodate Key Stage 3 and the ground floor will cater for Key Stage 4 – All designed for the curriculum, based on the young people’s needs.” Shelley Hughes, Head of Centre at Briar Patch NHESC, added: “The new Centre will provide a learning environment that’s a quality space, where the children feel valued. It will be an environment they can be proud of and that opens opportunities for enrichment in a way that our old facilities just didn’t provide.” “We didn’t have sports facilities or the ability to have afterschool clubs for specialist coaches.  We can now provide enrichment and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. “We run as a school, and an educational environment to succeed. This will be a family resource space for outside agencies to use and where the whole child can be supported. The new Centre will also accommodate the increasing number of children in our area that need supporting.” Cllr Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that every child and young person in Hertfordshire has the opportunity to thrive and receive the support they need to fulfil their potential. The expansion of NHESC is a vital step in that journey—providing high-quality, alternative provision in an environment designed to inspire and empower. This investment reflects our dedication to building a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire.” External works to improve the access road and traffic flow will take place during the summer holidays to avoid any disruption to the Centre’s operations. The scheme has been designed by Saunders Boston, with Pellings as project manager and Gleeds as cost consultant. BCAL is the engineer and One Creative Environments is the mechanical and electrical consultant. Completion is scheduled for Autumn this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The University of East London (UEL) has appointed contractor GRAHAM to deliver its £45 million New Academic Building. This structure represents a key landmark in the creation of the Stratford Health Campus and is UEL’s most significant capital development to date. GRAHAM was selected following a competitive procurement process, leveraging its established track record in successfully delivering complex, sustainable facilities within both the healthcare and higher education sectors. The contract marks a major step forward for UEL’s Vision 2028 strategy, which aims to transform career opportunities, wellbeing, and health across East London. The New Academic Building is part of a larger £170 million redevelopment and is designed to provide cutting-edge teaching, research, and learning spaces intended to inspire future healthcare and medical professionals. Subject to necessary GMC approval, the facility will serve as the home for medical education alongside a suite of related healthcare courses. Its central role will be to expand access to healthcare education and bolster the growth of the regional health workforce. Construction work is slated to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated in summer 2027, ready for the start of the subsequent academic year. The facility is targeting the highest sustainability credentials, aiming for BREEAM Outstanding certification, which would place it among the most environmentally responsible university buildings in the UK. The design incorporates circular design principles, low-carbon construction, and prioritises energy efficiency through: These elements support UEL’s broader goal of establishing a net-zero carbon campus and setting a new industry benchmark for sustainable development within the higher education sector. Describing the appointment as an “exciting and historic moment”, Liam O’Dell, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of East London, said: “The appointment of GRAHAM marks an exciting and historic moment for the University. This is the most significant development on our campuses, and it represents months of collaboration, dedication, and strategic planning. The New Academic Building will not only transform our Stratford campus but will set a new benchmark for healthcare education – providing an inspiring and inclusive space for our students, staff, and partners. This multi-million-pound investment underlines UEL’s long-term commitment to creating an innovative, sustainable, and community-focused university estate. The Stratford Health Campus will stand as a symbol of UEL’s evolution – connecting education, research, and real-world impact in the heart of east London.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, also expressed pride in the contract: “UEL’s new academic building will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support the University’s healthcare and medical education ambitions and be an exemplar of sustainable campus design. We’re proud to contribute to a scheme that will play such an important role in shaping future generations of health professionals.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Cambridgeshire business has broken ground on the new Great Haddon Primary School in Peterborough. The project, commissioned by Peterborough City Council and designed by Lungfish Architects, was procured via the SCAPE National Framework. The new two-storey, two-form entry facility will create 420 school places for nursery and primary-years provision on a new housing development south of Peterborough. The school is scheduled for completion in late 2026, ready for use in early 2027. The main school building will feature 12 classrooms and includes three-metre-wide ‘learning streets’ on both floors, which will provide enhanced educational opportunities through access to libraries, one-to-one teaching zones, and small group areas. The southern end of the building will house the main school hall, kitchen, and related spaces. A dedicated single-storey Early Years section will include two nursery and two reception classrooms, complete with associated facilities and an outside play area. Externally, the development will include a 9 x 9 football pitch that will double as an athletics track, alongside a multi-use games area (MUGA). Sustainability is a key focus for the project. Morgan Sindall has utilised its digital carbon calculation tool, CarboniCa, to inform the design, which includes the installation of photovoltaic panels (PVs) to generate the school’s energy requirements. A central target is the delivery of a 12% biodiversity net gain for the school’s construction and operation. This will be achieved by creating an attenuation pond with plants, wetland grasses, trees, and raised beds designed to encourage local wildlife. This pond and a nearby rain garden will also serve as educational spaces for pupils. Jamie Shearman, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, noted: “The start of construction at Great Haddon’s new primary school marks an important milestone… In such a fast-growing area as this, it is imperative educational facilities are created that can match the local scale and demand with high-quality learning environments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals