Construction has started on the new landmark laboratory building ‘Infinity Labs’ at University of Southampton Science Park and was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony held on Monday 21 July. The event was attended by Rt Hon Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, who put the first spade in the ground to officiate the milestone. Dr Robin Chave, CEO of Southampton Science Park, was joined by Scott Brownrigg representatives Ed Hayden, Life Sciences Director, and Amy Bourne, Associate Project Leader, who have been responsible for the design of the new gateway building. The new multi-tenancy building will provide 3,400 sqm of much needed new laboratory space at the entrance to the Southampton Science Park, supporting the Park’s commitment to fuel innovation and elevate the presence of British science and technology on the world stage. Curved in shape, the three-storey building will activate a sweeping bend at the main entrance to the site and feature a sloping green roof, helping to embed the structure within the landscape and enhance biodiversity onsite. A fabric first approach supports the Park’s sustainability objectives for a low-energy, low-carbon building. Of the milestone, CEO of Southampton Science Park, Dr Robin Chave, said: “We are incredibly excited to officially commence construction of this widely anticipated project. This new building, the largest to be built at Southampton Science Park to date, is going to provide much-needed facilities for life science and other laboratory-based companies from spin-out and start-up onwards. It will play a significant role in helping the life science cluster in the region to grow and prosper, building on the talent emerging from our Universities and shining a light on the investment potential across the South Central economy.” The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, said: “It’s always great to be here at Southampton Science Park, witnessing how it develops and grows year on year. The new Infinity Labs building is impressive and beautiful. It is such an iconic looking building, and a real testament to the Science Park’s determination to grow, to bring high quality jobs to this area, and of course, to make sure that there are facilities that our scientists will use and desperately need. So, massive congratulations to the University of Southampton Science Park. I can’t wait to see the finished building!” With the main contractor, Amiri Construction now starting works on site, the new landmark gateway building is expected to complete in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Wales division has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school in Clydach Vale, designed to be net zero carbon in operation. Commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the £37 million school will provide English-medium ALN education for 176 learners aged 3 to 19. The project, awarded via the SEWSCAP 3 Framework, is being jointly funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Completion is expected in Autumn 2026. The new facility will feature 23 classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a wellbeing centre, a canteen and a range of multi-use and support spaces spread across a two-storey modern building. External works will include outdoor learning and play areas, a secure roof terrace on the southern side of the building, and a 79-space car park with EV charging points, drop-off/pick-up facilities and covered cycle storage. To preserve the local environment, all existing trees and surrounding woodland will be retained, and the site will be enclosed with secure boundary fencing. The school is designed in line with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Welsh Government climate commitments and reflects Morgan Sindall’s own sustainability goals. The building will be powered by rooftop solar PV panels and will feature a sustainable drainage system to manage rainwater responsibly. Morgan Sindall will also implement a dedicated social value plan throughout construction, working with the council’s Employment, Education, and Training team to deliver job creation, apprenticeships, and training opportunities for local residents. A Morgan Sindall Knowledge Quad will also be established on site—providing a hub for education, engagement, and community collaboration. Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to begin the construction of this brand new, state-of-the-art school in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Our work will support the next generation of learners with ALN with specialised high quality educational facilities such as the hydrotherapy pool and wellbeing centre. “We very much look forward to progressing works on site and engaging with the wider Clydach Vale community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building to Monmouthshire County Council, with external works scheduled to continue for a further year. The project delivers a purpose-built, all-through school spanning 15,000 square metres, encompassing 107 teaching spaces for primary, secondary, and sixth form education, alongside wraparound childcare and specialist facilities for children with additional learning needs. External amenities will include a 3G football pitch, a 2G hockey pitch, and a new publicly accessible Active Travel route. Constructed with a steel frame and incorporating GGBS cement to reduce embodied carbon, the school is Monmouthshire County Council’s first designed to be Net Zero Carbon in operation. Significant sustainability features include photovoltaic (PV) panels for direct power generation, underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, enhanced insulation, and triple-glazed windows. The project’s carbon output has been rigorously monitored using Morgan Sindall’s proprietary CarboniCa tool, and the company applied its 10 Tonne Challenge to identify further emission reductions. The construction team successfully navigated complex challenges, including high groundwater levels and a sloping site. Early contractor involvement proved pivotal, enabling intelligent design solutions for steelwork, mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems, and groundworks. Notably, the sheet piling design was adapted to preserve a 700-year-old oak tree, which now forms a central landscape feature. Beyond environmental sustainability, the project delivered substantial social value, creating 60 new jobs for individuals not in education, employment, or training, and supporting 22 new apprentices. The team engaged over 9,300 pupils through STEM activities and ensured 82% of the workforce was sourced from Wales, with 84% of supply chain spend retained locally. Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to have delivered this transformative project for Monmouthshire County Council and the local community. King Henry VIII 3-19 School represents not only a major investment in education but also in sustainable construction and inclusive design. This project is a testament to what can be achieved through early collaboration, intelligent planning, and a shared commitment to creating inspiring learning environments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Queen Mary University of London has signed an agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to acquire a substantial parcel of land in Whitechapel, adjacent to its current campus. The acquisition enables Queen Mary to expand its research and education footprint, creating a transformative, multi-disciplinary life sciences campus. The development aims to improve health outcomes locally and globally, while also boosting economic growth and attracting inward investment to the area. The site’s close proximity to the University’s existing facilities and its long-standing partner, Barts Health NHS Trust, will allow Queen Mary to consolidate its operations in Whitechapel—already one of its nine London locations—into a hub of education, innovation, and healthcare. The future campus will bring together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to address some of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Professor Colin Bailey CBE, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, said: “Queen Mary is unparalleled among research-intensive universities in combining world-leading research and education, with a profound commitment to the local communities we serve, and to social mobility and justice. In a world still facing intractable inequalities in health and access to education, universities like Queen Mary are needed more than ever. The step we have taken today future-proofs the long-term future of our University and our mission. “This major investment in Whitechapel gives us the opportunity, working with partners, to drive economic growth and healthcare benefits in an increasingly hyper-connected area of London within which we have deep historic roots, stretching back to 1785 and beyond, and long-standing and productive partnerships. “The campus we develop here will enable us to create an environment that integrates the talents of our researchers, scientists, teachers and clinicians across all our disciplines and allows them to work directly alongside other national and international partners, businesses and entrepreneurs, generating the healthcare and wellbeing solutions, and required vital broader skillsets, of tomorrow.” This latest agreement builds on Queen Mary’s initial acquisition of part of the site in November 2021, which was described by Professor Bailey at the time as “one of the largest research investments in Queen Mary’s history.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver a £48.8 million transformation of Queen Mary University of London’s School of Business & Management — marking the construction firm’s second major project for the university within a year. Located in Tower Hamlets, the redevelopment will see a brand-new, seven-storey academic building designed by Nicholas Hare Architects take the place of the current facility, which is no longer considered fit for purpose. The 6,700-square-metre scheme will also enhance the surrounding public realm, featuring new landscaped terraces and dedicated green spaces for students and staff alike. Completion is scheduled for 2027. This project follows closely on the heels of Willmott Dixon’s earlier commission in 2024 to extend the Informatics & Technology Learning building in Bethnal Green. That scheme involves a full retrofit and the addition of two extra storeys to the existing structure. Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the South, commented: “Working with Queen Mary University London on both these projects presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver high-quality spaces through close collaboration. These schemes will provide long-lasting benefits for the university community.” Professor Colin Bailey, Principal of Queen Mary University of London, added: “This project represents more than just bricks and mortar. It is a bold investment in our academic future: a tangible statement of our commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. It will help us deliver on our mission of opening the doors of opportunity, transforming lives, addressing inequalities, and making new discoveries.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The four-storey steel frame of Bradford College’s new £17 million building is now in place—marking a key step in transforming the Thornton Road site. Led by Morgan Sindall, the new Junction Mills building will offer students specialist training in motor vehicle, advanced electrical, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, vital in supporting the growth of low-carbon skills capabilities within West Yorkshire.  The building’s framework incorporates 232 tonnes of hot-rolled steel (manufactured at high temperatures to allow the steel to be easily shaped into larger sizes). The heaviest pieces of the structure are two nine-tonne beams which support the first-floor workshop area. Precast elements such as lift shafts and stairs have been manufactured off-site using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – innovative building techniques that improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability in construction. Metal decking and concrete floor slab works will now commence. Sustainability is central to the project. A peer review of the RIBA Stage 3 foundation and steel frame design found efficiencies that decreased steel and concrete usage, resulting in a 56-tonne reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).  Work on the cladding and internal walls saved a further 126 tonnes. This work brings the total CO₂e saved so far to 182 tonnes – the equivalent of heating 67 UK homes annually. Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “It’s exciting to see our latest capital project take a step forward — purpose-built to deliver cutting-edge automotive training for the future. With space for up to 650 students, this new facility represents a significant leap in how we equip young people with the skills needed for a low-carbon economy. It is also fitting that a building dedicated to low-carbon skills should be constructed with sustainability at its core.” The project was made possible thanks to £15 million funding from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), boosted by a £2 million College contribution. Once completed in 2026, the Bradford College automotive department will relocate from Bowling Back Lane to the new premises.  Morgan Sindall is leading the construction of the state-of-the-art building. Following a recent monitoring visit, the Considerate Constructors Scheme rated Morgan Sindall’s performance level as ‘Excellent’ for respecting the community, caring for the environment, and valuing its workforce. Ben Hall, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Yorkshire business, added:  “We’re thrilled to deliver what will be a game-changing new facility for Bradford. As part of our delivery of this project, we look forward to undertaking social value initiatives that benefit the people of Bradford, ensuring this new facility has a positive impact on the city way ahead of opening.” Over the last three years, Bradford College has secured nearly £40 million in funding. This substantial investment is helping the College reshape and rebuild aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford.  The Junction Mills building is central to the ambitious estates strategy, designed to nurture inspiring careers in sectors that support regional economic growth.  Other recent Bradford College capital projects include the opening of Garden Mills – a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students, made possible by £5.8m funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund. The College also remodelled new T Level training facilities for business, media, catering, and hair and beauty students, which opened following a £3.5m investment from the Department for Education. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction has officially handed over Phase 1 of the new Maendy Primary School to Torfaen County Borough Council. The handover took place on 27 May 2025, just over a year after work began in March 2024. The project will deliver a new two-storey primary school designed to accommodate 420 pupils across 16 classrooms within a 2,184 sq-m building. Once complete, it will replace the existing school and offer a modern, sustainable environment for learning. Phase 1 includes the completion of the main school building, a rear playground, a multi-use games area (MUGA), and individual play spaces adjoining each classroom. Phase 2 is already underway and is scheduled for completion in January 2026. It will involve demolishing the old school, and constructing further facilities, including a new access road, EV-enabled car park, expansive sports fields, and a Forest School zone. Sustainability is central to the project’s design, with the school targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. Its all-brick clad steel structure supports 700 sq-m of solar photovoltaic panels on the southern roof pitch, while the building orientation has been optimised for energy efficiency and daylight use. The scheme forms part of Morgan Sindall Construction’s wider Responsible Business strategy. It incorporates the company’s 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge, aimed at reducing carbon emissions through innovation and collaboration. The team has already surpassed its goal, cutting 10.3 tonnes of CO₂e, with initiatives such as using reusable Kentledge blocks for site hoarding foundations—allowing materials to be transferred between phases without creating waste. Community engagement has also been a cornerstone of the project. Pupils have participated in assemblies, construction safety sessions, and sustainability workshops, including Carbon Literacy training for Years 5 and 6. The company is also backing the Healthy Dragons programme, run with the Dragons RFC Community Team, to promote wellbeing and confidence-building among pupils. Further environmental initiatives include the donation of materials to build hedgehog houses, now installed in the school’s Forest School area to enhance biodiversity and environmental education. To ease traffic congestion near the school during peak times, the project includes the development of a new internal drop-off zone. Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “We’re making excellent progress on the new Maendy Primary School, which will provide a high-quality, sustainable learning environment for children in Cwmbran. “The successful handover of Phase 1, the main school building, marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver net zero carbon buildings that promote both educational achievement and environmental responsibility. “Our engagement with pupils throughout the build has been particularly rewarding. Initiatives like the Carbon Literacy workshops not only enrich the curriculum but help inspire the next generation to consider careers in construction and understand the importance of sustainable practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aberdeen City Council has taken ownership of its new £29 million New Riverbank School, built using a cross laminated timber (CLT) frame, following successful delivery by Robertson Construction Eastern. The 6,784m² (73,000ft²), three-stream school provides a high-quality learning environment for up to 651 primary-age pupils, alongside early learning and nursery provision for up to 60 children. Facilities include a gym hall, dance studio, dining hall, staff and administration areas, and student support spaces. Robertson led the construction phase of the two-storey school including the design, engineering and build of the frame structure using primarily CLT*. The use of CLT delivered a 2,510 tCO₂e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) reduction in embodied carbon, placing the project as a sector-leading example of low-carbon design. The school has a draft Energy Performance Rating of A. The use of CLT also supported the diversion of 100% of construction waste from landfill. CLT panels are formed by gluing layers of timber at right angles, creating a robust, airtight structure that enhances thermal performance and contributes to consistent indoor comfort. This reduces heat gains and losses throughout the building. The use of natural materials is also associated with improved wellbeing, offering a calmer and more relaxing learning environment for pupils. Extensive soft and hard landscaping was carried out to reduce the visual impact of the two-storey building and integrate it with the existing site topography. A 3G sports pitch, outdoor play and learning spaces were delivered alongside garden areas. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “At Robertson, we are committed to creating sustainable, innovative spaces that inspire and support the next generation. The new CLT school at Riverbank Primary is a testament to this vision, and to the commitment shown by the Council to deliver a warm, natural environment that enhances wellbeing and has been proven to enhance attainment. “Working with the Council to deliver this facility, we’ve not only reduced the environmental impact but also provided pupils and staff with an educational setting where they can truly learn, play, and achieve together.” Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I am pleased that we have now received the keys to our new Riverbank School and that council staff are working hard to ensure pupils can access the building from next month. “The new school will provide top-class facilities for all of its pupils including a 3G sports pitch and external outdoor play. It will be a fantastic learning facility for pupils at the start of their learning journey.” Built on the site of the former Tillydrone Infant School and on part of the former St Machar Primary School site, the New Riverbank opened in mid-May allowing pupils of the existing Riverbank to decant to the new school before summer recess. *3159.13 m3 CLT plus 91.01 m3 Glulam. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has officially completed work on a new net-zero-carbon-in-operation sports facility and the refurbishment of teaching spaces at Minsthorpe Community College in South Elmsall. Providing high-quality facilities designed for both students and the wider community, the net-zero-carbon-in-operation facility includes two activity studios, changing rooms, toilets, storage facilities, office space, and a 6,394 sq ft main sports hall which opened in January this year. The final phase – including the installation of a new multi-use games area (MUGA) – has now been completed, marking the full handover of the project which has been funded by the Department for Education. Construction began in summer 2023 to replace the previous outdated sports facilities, alongside refurbishment works to several of the existing blocks. The sports facility has achieved an impressive EPC A+ rating and forms part of Minsthorpe Community College’s long-term strategy to enhance sports provision and establish a central hub for community engagement and physical wellbeing. In addition to meeting net-zero-in-operation standards, the facility also incorporates a green roof and integrated sustainable drainage solutions to enhance both biodiversity and environmental performance. Ryan O’Loughlin, Regional Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have delivered a facility that will have a lasting impact on both the students of Minsthorpe Community College and the wider South Elmsall, South Kirby, and Upton community. “From day one, this project was about more than just bricks and mortar, it was about creating a sustainable space that supports physical and mental wellbeing, learning and community engagement. “Throughout the project, we also placed a strong focus on delivering social value – adopting a student-led approach to shaping the future of their sports facilities. We believe that quality social value is achieved through genuine collaboration, and we’re confident this development leaves a positive legacy that the whole community can be proud of.” Joint Principals Mark Gilmore and Rachael Merritt, from Minsthorpe Community College, added: “We were delighted to be chosen as one of the first 50 schools to be part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. “The new sports centre and surrounding works, including a new multi-use games area, is the final piece in the jigsaw in bringing the College’s facilities into the 21st century – meaning the experiences of both our amazing students and fantastic community will be enriched for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals