Sir Robert McAlpine has secured a major £30 million contract to deliver the North East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST) for Northumbria University in Newcastle. The appointment follows a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) and marks a significant step forward in the creation of a cutting-edge facility aimed at driving
The University of Warwick has appointed Kier as the lead contractor for the first phase of its ambitious £700 million STEM Connect programme – a landmark development set to reshape the university’s science and engineering landscape. As part of its long-term strategy to expand teaching and research in science, technology,
The University of Warwick’s bold vision for new world-leading STEM facilities has taken a significant step forward with Kier appointed as the preferred lead contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the project. This announcement represents a key milestone in the wider Connect Programme which is an unprecedented £700 million capital
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than
With a population growth exceeding 5% over the past decade, Derby faces increased pressure on its educational infrastructure. To address this, Derby City Council has committed £30 million to expand school capacity, including the newly constructed Oak Grange Primary School at Boulton Moor. This state-of-the-art facility provides 354 primary school places, to meet
Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the
Construction is now underway on the University of Southampton’s £123 million North East Quadrant (NEQ) development, a state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility set to transform the Highfield Campus. Spanning five floors and 15,000 sqm, the new building will offer cutting-edge academic spaces, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and event teaching
The University of East London (UEL) is extending its strategic partnership with global technology company Siemens in a contract that will see the business design and install a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to help power its net zero campus of the future. The new WSHP is set to be
MARKING a key development milestone, work has begun to construct a brand-new secondary school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in Greenwich. Located on Hargood Road, Rowan Wood School will provide 128 places for children aged 11-19 with autism (ASD) and complex needs, and is set to complete later
GMI Construction Group has celebrated the topping out of its £27 million contract to develop the Mabgate Campus, marking a significant step in transforming the former derelict site into a modern educational hub. Commissioned by Luminate Education Group, the project will provide 70,000 sq. ft of new learning space, enhancing
Sir Robert McAlpine has secured a major £30 million contract to deliver the North East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST) for Northumbria University in Newcastle. The appointment follows a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) and marks a significant step forward in the creation of a cutting-edge facility aimed at driving innovation in the UK’s space sector. Located on Northumbria University’s city campus, the scheme involves the complete demolition, rebuild, and extension of the existing Wynne Jones building. Once complete, the new facility will span seven storeys, including a ground floor and six upper levels, covering a footprint of approximately 900 square metres. Backed by investment from the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space, NESST is designed to foster collaboration between academia and the space industry. The centre will feature satellite manufacturing clean rooms, advanced prototyping labs, a mission operations centre, state-of-the-art teaching spaces, and collaborative areas tailored for industry partnerships. Construction is already progressing at pace, with steelwork now rising on site. The landmark project is expected to be completed by autumn 2026, reinforcing Newcastle’s position as a key player in the UK’s growing space economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Warwick has appointed Kier as the lead contractor for the first phase of its ambitious £700 million STEM Connect programme – a landmark development set to reshape the university’s science and engineering landscape. As part of its long-term strategy to expand teaching and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the university is investing heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including a £425 million Science and Engineering Precinct at the heart of its campus. Kier has been named preferred contractor for the opening phase of the programme, with construction expected to begin later this year following the completion of enabling works. Leading the design is BDP, acting as both lead consultant and principal designer. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, hailed the announcement as a significant milestone:“Appointing a contractor for Phase 1 of the STEM Connect Programme marks a major step forward in what is a transformative journey – and fittingly, it comes in our 60th anniversary year.“This initiative will not only enhance learning for our students, but also reinforce our global standing in STEM disciplines. We’re proud to be partnering with Kier – one of the UK’s top contractors – to realise this bold vision.” Mark Dady, Managing Director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, added:“We’re delighted to be delivering the first phase of this forward-thinking project. Drawing on our expertise in creating world-class educational spaces, we aim to build a facility that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainability at the University of Warwick.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Warwick’s bold vision for new world-leading STEM facilities has taken a significant step forward with Kier appointed as the preferred lead contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the project. This announcement represents a key milestone in the wider Connect Programme which is an unprecedented £700 million capital investment in STEM and Social Sciences. The development, at the University’s West Midlands campus, will deliver innovative spaces, including cutting-edge laboratories, to enable the University to build on its interdisciplinary approach, diversify learning opportunities, reinforce the University’s internationally-recognised work in science and research, and enhance the campus experience for students, staff and stakeholders. A wealth of new courses in STEM will enhance the learning options available to undergraduate and postgraduate students and help attract some of the brightest young minds from across the world. It will also harness meaningful, innovation-led research and collaboration with partners on a regional, national and international scale to address global challenges, such as protecting crops against insects and providing therapeutics and diagnosis for neglected tropical diseases. Since its inception, The University of Warwick has been a trailblazer in pioneering research, leading innovations to develop sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to combat environmental damage. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Warwick, said: “Appointing a contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the STEM Connect Programme is a really big moment in the journey of the Connect Programme and is a timely milestone in the University’s 60th anniversary year. “The STEM Connect Programme is a transformative initiative that will not only enhance learning opportunities for our students, but also strengthen our global reputation as a leader in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “We are excited to partner with Kier to bring this ambitious vision to life, and the appointment of one of Britain’s strongest contractors is a major milestone and reflects the pace of our delivery.” Professor Mark Williams, Academic Lead of the STEM Connect Programme, said: “This major investment clearly demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and advancing research that has real-world impact. The state-of-the-art infrastructure being provided will underpin the delivery of our pioneering education programmes. “We are looking forward to working with Kier to bring to life our vision for new, world-leading facilities in STEM.” Mark Dady, Managing Director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to be named as the preferred lead contractor for this prestigious STEM Connect Programme at The University of Warwick. “This transformative project represents a significant investment in the University’s future, and we look forward to bringing our experience of delivering world-class educational facilities to create a building that will enable and inspire collaboration, innovation and sustainability on campus.” Kier has extensive experience in delivering education projects, having previously completed a state-of-the-art facility in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. This new facility serves as a hub for research, innovation and education, reinforcing Kier’s commitment to creating cutting-edge learning environments. The wider Connect Programme, announced last year, supports the five objectives laid out in the University’s Excellence with Purpose 2030 strategy and will strengthen the regional economy by creating more than 1,500 construction-related jobs over the lifetime of the project. The STEM Connect Programme forms the first phase of the wider programme. Kier is due to commence construction when all enabling works have been completed later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than £3m in revenue over the next twelve months. The company’s ability to manage complex projects and deliver on time and to budget has made it a natural choice for schools and colleges, with £1m of contracts already completed for organisations in the West Midlands and the North West. These have included a special education needs centre at Birchwood Community High School and multiple jobs for the Invictus Education Trust, which looks after eight schools across Dudley and South Staffs. “Education has always been an area we wanted to explore as we have all the core refurbishment skills required to deliver high quality projects quickly and at the right cost – as we all know the taxpayer has to see value for money,” explained David Cotterill, Managing Director of Inco Contracts. “Labour has announced a big cash injection to upgrade existing schools and, with the supply chain already creaking under pressure, we feel now is the right time to accelerate our expansion and provide services so desperately required to ensure our children learn in the best possible buildings.” He went on to add: “The appointment of Billy Sneddon is an important moment for us. He brings over 10 years’ experience in this sector, a massive book of contacts and supply chain specialists who have a proven track record in education.” Inco Contracts can work alongside architects, designers, and directly with schools to bring buildings back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Services provided range from roof repairs, classroom/toilet refurbishments, mechanical and electrical upgrades, extensions and PV installation. In just the last six months, Inco has transformed an existing library into a dedicated special educational needs unit, equipped with six classrooms, meeting rooms, toilets, reception area and state-of-the-art playground. Invictus Education Trust has also called on the company for resurfacing work, emergency repairs and a refurb of its headquarters at Kinver High School. Billy Sneddon picked up the story: “This is a really exciting opportunity to shape our education offer, so that we bring something a little bit different to an established marketplace. “The beauty of Inco Contracts is that we are agile. This means we can pick up smaller jobs quickly yet are big enough to handle £multi-million projects across the UK. Our people all have experience of working in this environment and understand the need to prioritise the safety of the children and teachers, whilst completing projects alongside their studies. “My approach is to build partnerships with schools, colleges and education providers so we are their ‘go to firm’ in an emergency or for planned works.” He concluded: “Our target is £3m in revenues over the next twelve months and increasing my team so that we have two or three dedicated people working with me on projects.” For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With a population growth exceeding 5% over the past decade, Derby faces increased pressure on its educational infrastructure. To address this, Derby City Council has committed £30 million to expand school capacity, including the newly constructed Oak Grange Primary School at Boulton Moor. This state-of-the-art facility provides 354 primary school places, to meet the needs of a rapidly growing residential area. A collaborative effort between Langley, Advanced Roofing, and main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, the project underscores the value of integrating durable and efficient roofing systems within public sector developments. The Need for Resilient Infrastructure Derby City Council required a roofing solution that balanced longevity, sustainability, and compliance with stringent building standards. Langley’s TA-20 flat roof waterproofing system emerged as the ideal choice, offering a 20-year Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) covering design, product, and workmanship. The project serves as a benchmark in achieving energy efficiency and safety, with a U-Value of 0.15 W/m²K, surpassing the energy efficiency standards set by Part L of the Building Regulations. Langley’s TA-20 roofing system’s BRoof(t4) certification assured compliance with Part B fire safety regulations, solidifying the project’s alignment with technical and regulatory requirements. Together, these features highlight how innovation and compliance can work hand in hand to create exceptional new-build educational environments. Why TA-20? Langley’s TA-20 system was specifically chosen to meet Derby City Council’s requirements for a reinforced bituminous membrane (RBM) system that delivered reliable waterproofing and thermal efficiency. The TA-20 system offers several key advantages that made it an ideal choice for the project. Its cost-effectiveness ensures long-term durability at a practical price point, helping the council minimize operational costs. Additionally, the system’s high thermal efficiency significantly reduces heating and cooling expenses, promoting both environmental and economic sustainability. The straightforward installation process further contributed to the project’s success, enabling the roofing work to be completed smoothly within the two-month timeline. Langley’s technical team supported Advanced Roofing with weekly site visits to ensure adherence to compliance standards, including BS6229 and NHBC Technical Standards. The result is a roof optimised for durability and sustainability, tailored to the needs of a growing educational hub. Efficient Execution The partnership between Langley and Advanced Roofing ensured smooth project execution despite the tight schedule. By maintaining close collaboration and leveraging Langley’s extensive technical expertise, the team completed the roof installation on time, meeting both safety and quality requirements. The ease of use of the TA-20 system allowed Advanced Roofing to execute the project without the need for major design customisations, ensuring rapid installation without compromising quality. This straightforward approach proved essential for the school’s timely opening and long-term operational efficiency. A Sustainable Solution By integrating Langley’s TA-20 roofing system, Oak Grange Primary School achieves significant sustainability gains, aligning with Derby City Council’s environmental goals. The system’s high-performance insulation reduces energy consumption, supporting the council’s commitment to minimising emissions across public estates. Supporting Educational Growth The successful collaboration between Derby City Council, Langley, Advanced Roofing, and Morgan Sindall highlights the importance of reliable partnerships in public sector projects. Oak Grange Primary School now stands as a benchmark for sustainable, high-quality educational facilities, ensuring comfort and efficiency for generations to come. Dean Jetson, supply chain manager at Morgan Sindall said: “Delivering Oak Grange Primary School was an exciting challenge that allowed us to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation. Partnering with Langley and Advanced Roofing enabled us to not only meet the project requirements but also exceed the expectations of Derby City Council in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.” Connor Wignall, senior estimator at Advanced Roofing, said: “Our collaboration on Oak Grange Primary School shows the critical role roofing systems play in creating sustainable and efficient educational environments. Working with Langley’s TA-20 system meant that we were able to deliver a solution that meets Derby City Council’s rigorous specifications and provides long-term durability and energy efficiency. It’s rewarding to see how this project will contribute to Derby’s growing educational infrastructure while supporting environmental goals.” Simon Griffiths, new build national sales manager from Langley said: “This project presented an opportunity to showcase the adaptability of our TA-20 system in a new-build school setting. Collaborating with Advanced Roofing allowed us to tailor a solution that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of Derby City Council.” As Derby City Council continues to expand its educational infrastructure, Langley’s TA-20 system stands as a benchmark in delivering cost-effective, high-quality roofing solutions that support sustainability and community development goals. This project underscores Langley’s commitment to combining technical expertise with responsive collaboration, providing solutions that are resilient, compliant, and designed for the long-term benefit of public facilities. For more on Langley’s roofing solutions and services, see Langley.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the programme. Developed by the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) and designed by Sheppard Robson Architects, with engineering support from Arup, the scheme aims to enhance education and skills training in the region. WEPCo is a joint venture between the Development Bank of Wales and French investment firm Meridiam, established to support the development of educational infrastructure across Wales. Construction is set to begin in June 2024, with completion expected in summer 2027. Once operational, the campuses will be maintained and managed for 25 years by Robertson FM. The Barry Waterfront Campus will be built on a brownfield site in Barry’s Waterfront Innovation Quarter, accommodating 900 students across courses including art & design, hospitality, catering, and beauty therapy. A student-run restaurant and hair & beauty salon will be open to the public, providing hands-on training opportunities. Meanwhile, the Advanced Technology Centre, to be built near Cardiff Airport, will cater to nearly 2,000 students and focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and net zero carbon technologies. The facility will also feature a business centre, composites manufacturing hub, and a ‘green skills house’ to support sustainability training. Bouygues UK project director Peter Sharpe, who previously led the Pentre Awel health and business complex in Llanelli, said:“Education projects are especially rewarding, knowing they will benefit young people for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming thousands of students into these state-of-the-art facilities in 2027.” WEPCo chief executive Christian Stanbury added:“We’re delighted to reach this milestone in delivering such a landmark college project. Having worked with Cardiff & Vale College for years, we understand the impact this will have on future generations of learners and the wider college community.” This development marks a significant investment in the future of skills and education in Wales, equipping students with the knowledge and training needed for careers in emerging industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is now underway on the University of Southampton’s £123 million North East Quadrant (NEQ) development, a state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility set to transform the Highfield Campus. Spanning five floors and 15,000 sqm, the new building will offer cutting-edge academic spaces, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and event teaching areas, alongside independent study zones. Designed to enhance the student experience, it will also feature a café, changing facilities, a nursing room, and a variety of indoor and outdoor social spaces, creating a vibrant hub at the heart of the Quadrant. Positioned at the edge of campus, the NEQ will form part of a striking new entrance to the university. With an impressive façade and double-height windows, the architecture draws inspiration from Southampton’s historic landmarks, such as the Civic Centre, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the city’s character. Kier hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith, faculty members, the estates team, and representatives from the Students’ Union. “We are delighted to get started on our works for the University of Southampton. This marks an important milestone for a project that will deliver world-class learning spaces for students,” said Cheryl Ward, Managing Director of Kier Construction Southern. “Our team has worked closely with the university to bring their vision of a sustainable, state-of-the-art building to life, and we are proud to support this development with the best of our local talent and expertise.” Designed with sustainability at its core, the project aligns with the university’s Sustainability Strategic Plan and aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards. A fabric-first approach will reduce operational carbon, with energy-efficient materials helping to cut energy demand by 40%, lowering both costs and environmental impact. The building will also prioritise comfort, with ample natural ventilation creating a bright and airy learning environment. “This space will be a hub of creativity, collaboration and academic excellence, ensuring that the University of Southampton continues to be a sector leader in education,” said Professor Mark E. Smith. Kier’s involvement in this project continues its strong track record of delivering high-profile university developments across the UK, including projects for the University of Derby, the University of Huddersfield, and Warwick University. The NEQ building is set to be completed by summer 2027, ready for the 2027/28 academic year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of East London (UEL) is extending its strategic partnership with global technology company Siemens in a contract that will see the business design and install a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to help power its net zero campus of the future. The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers – and together with campus existing green energy infrastructure, achieve carbon zero in these spaces. Submerged in the River Thames, the closed-loop system will use a series of pipes to extract natural heat from the water in the Royal Albert Docks, providing a cost-effective heating system which will reduce annual CO2 emissions by 258 tonnes without removing vast quantities of water from the river. The system is scalable to allow the university to extend in the future similar heat pump systems across the Campus and the wider Royal Docks – the only Enterprise Zone in London – and is part of the long-term partnership with Siemens, which is supporting the university’s transition to net zero by 2030. The strategic partnership, which was formed in 2022, has already seen Siemens deploy a variety of decarbonisation technologies including solar PV, Building Management Systems and EV charging infrastructure across the university campus. In addition, Siemens is using its Building X technologies and data analytics to allow UEL to better understand its energy consumption and drive research and enterprise programmes. UEL has reduced its CO₂ emissions and carbon-producing energy consumption more than any other modern London university already, and by 2026 will achieve the lowest emissions per student in the UK – putting it on track to achieve its 2030 net zero targets. The partnership is providing a clear, replicable blueprint for sustainability. As well as saving the university over £500,000 per year in utility costs and reducing emissions by over 1,000 tonnes annually, the partnership has driven a unique range of successful green employability, enterprise and research initiatives including student internships, MSc sponsorships, hackathons, and the creation of a ‘Living Lab’ for training and research on sustainability. This project directly supports the Mayor of London’s vision for a greener, more sustainable capital, advancing his commitment to cleaner air, renewable energy, and achieving net zero by 2030. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is leading the way in the fight against climate change, and projects like this pioneering partnership between the University of East London and Siemens are key to our city’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the River Thames to heat university buildings, this initiative demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive real progress towards net zero. It not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a powerful example of how London’s institutions can embrace cutting-edge, clean energy solutions to build a better, fairer and greener city for all Londoners.” UEL Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Amanda Broderick, said: “We are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation that not only reduces our environmental impact but also creates a living laboratory for the next generation of climate leaders. This Water Source Heat Pump demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of the green energy transition, harnessing our natural surroundings to drive real change. Through our strategic partnership with Siemens, we are accelerating towards our 2030 net zero targets, delivering cutting-edge solutions that will benefit all the communities we serve, and the planet.” Andrew Smyth, Head of Sustainability for Smart Infrastructure Buildings, Siemens UK and Ireland, said: “Decarbonising heating systems is a critical step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. The University of East London has a fantastic resource in the Thames, right on its doorstep. Harnessing renewable power from the water allows it to take huge steps towards its net zero goals. “The investment is underpinned by our long-term strategic partnership. And it demonstrates how data-led insights of buildings and energy consumption provide heightened confidence in deploying large-scale renewables technologies like Water Source Heat Pumps. The programme is setting the blueprint for how sustainability can be a catalyst for fantastic collaboration and innovation between businesses and universities.” Building X is Siemens’ digital building platform designed to digitalise, manage, and optimise building operations. It aims to enhance user experience, increase performance, and improve sustainability. Building X integrates various applications and services, including energy management, security management, and building automation, to create a unified data environment that enhances accuracy and efficiency. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MARKING a key development milestone, work has begun to construct a brand-new secondary school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in Greenwich. Located on Hargood Road, Rowan Wood School will provide 128 places for children aged 11-19 with autism (ASD) and complex needs, and is set to complete later this year. The two-storey SEN facility will be situated on the site of former primary school Kidbrooke Park, which has been demolished to make way for the new purpose-built school. Designed to Department for Education (DfE) regulations and Building Bulletin 104 (BB104) guidelines, Rowan Wood will consist of three modular buildings which will be linked together, with one building dedicated to administration and dining, and the other two designed for teaching. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the project, providing project management, cost management, and health and safety services via the Crown Commercial Service Construction Professional Services framework, working in close collaboration with contractor Galliford Try and architects Haverstock. Simon Hembury, associate director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “It’s always rewarding to work on SEN schools and consider the unique design requirements that staff and pupils will need from their space. “At Rowan Wood, that means we’re consulting extensively with various stakeholders to ensure we are designing an inclusive space for all, in line with DfE regulations. “The site is located in a residential area, so we have worked very closely with both the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Galliford Try to ensure minimal disruption and ensure everyone is on board with a project that will really transform local educational need in the area. “We’re looking forward to seeing the site evolve over the course of the year and have a positive impact on the region.” As part of the project, the team cleared a large amount of asbestos from the previous school building onsite, ensuring the area is safe for future construction. Helping maintain quality and efficient standards of delivery, offsite construction methods will be used to construct the new school, with transport routes carefully determined to deliver goods and materials to the site. PV panels will also be installed on the roof, with the project targeting BREEAM Excellent. Gavin Bridge, managing director for building southern at Galliford Try, said: “This event marked the start of our collective journey towards providing an exceptional SEN school. We are excited to work alongside the Royal Borough of Greenwich and our partners to bring Rowan Wood school to life. Providing every child with the opportunity to thrive, to learn, and to grow in a setting designed to meet their unique needs and aspirations.” Cllr Majid Rahman, cabinet member for planning, estate renewal and development, said: “This day marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our local education and planning sectors. This is tangible proof of the resource we are inputting into much needed positive developments for our residents. We are working on building more provisions like this in the borough to meet demand which I am eager to see come to fruition.” For more information on Pick Everard’s services, head to https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has celebrated the topping out of its £27 million contract to develop the Mabgate Campus, marking a significant step in transforming the former derelict site into a modern educational hub. Commissioned by Luminate Education Group, the project will provide 70,000 sq. ft of new learning space, enhancing teaching and student experience while contributing to the regeneration of the Mabgate area. The development includes a five-storey campus for University Centre Leeds, a new building for Leeds City College’s adult learning provision, and an atrium cafeteria. It also involves the refurbishment of Studio 24, an historic arts and events space. All buildings at Mabgate Campus are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring low carbon heating and energy-efficient measures. David Warren, Group Vice Principal of Development at Luminate Education Group, said, “This milestone marks another step forward in our commitment to delivering high-quality learning environments. The new facilities will replace outdated buildings, providing cutting-edge spaces for University Centre Leeds and Leeds City College adult students.” Ed Weston, Commercial Director, Yorkshire, at GMI Construction, added: “Reaching the topping out stage at Mabgate is a key milestone in this landmark development. As a Leeds-based company, we are proud to contribute to the regeneration of this area while enhancing the facilities in this space. This investment will create outstanding opportunities for students and deliver lasting benefits to the region.” GMI Construction began work on the project last year, with initial phases involving the partial demolition of existing buildings to make way for the new development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
