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 Construction began in summer 2023 to replace the previous outdated sports facilities, alongside refurbishment works to several of the existing blocks.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

With 1,080 solar panels on its roof, and a host of sustainable features, the new multi-million-pound campus, delivered by Robertson Construction North West on behalf of WEPco, is now Flintshire County Council’s first net-zero carbon in operation school. Flintshire County Council’s Climate Change Committee recently visited the Mynydd Isa Campus in Mold, along with cabinet members, school representatives and the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPco) to find out more about the school’s sustainability credentials.  Attendees also powered up a specially commissioned neon sign with the word ‘Croeso’ (Welsh for ‘Welcome’) to symbolise the energy that the building is creating for itself.  The state-of-the-art school is one of the most energy-efficient in Wales, demonstrating Flintshire’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and creating a greener future. Being net zero in operation means Mynydd Isa Campus has been designed to produce as much energy as it uses, thanks to a range of energy-saving features. One of the standout components is the impressive solar panel system with photovoltaic cells covering approximately 80% of the roof, an area of over 2,500m².  These panels are expected to generate over 300,000 kWh of electricity each year, reducing carbon emissions by more than 70 tonnes annually. During the summer months, any extra electricity produced will be sent back to the grid. Due to the careful selection of materials which are less carbon intensive, the campus is also low in embodied carbon. Utilising air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, rather than fossil fuels, the campus also benefits from a special drainage system to manage rainwater naturally, helping to prevent flooding and support local wildlife.  The grounds have been designed to promote biodiversity, with green spaces, wildlife-friendly landscaping, and outdoor areas that encourage pupils to engage with nature. Recycled and low-carbon materials have also been used in the construction of the outdoor spaces including a play base made from recycled tyres. Active travel is encouraged through new dedicated cycling and walking routes and electric vehicle charging points.  The two-storey, 10,500m² campus is able to accommodate 1,300 pupils, including 43 nursery-age children, 600 primary pupils, and 700 high school students. All pupils will benefit from the cutting-edge facilities designed for 21st-century learning. High school pupils were first to move to the campus earlier in May, with the remainder of pupils moving in after the summer break.  Mynydd Isa Campus is being built through the WEPco, using the Mutual Investment Model (MIM) developed by the Welsh Government to fund major capital projects.  Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Delivering Mynydd Isa Campus as Flintshire’s first net-zero carbon in operation school marks a significant step forward for sustainable building in Wales.  “Collaborating with WEPCo and Flintshire County Council, this project underscores our dedication to delivering projects that support communities and promote a sustainable future. We will continue to maintain the campus through Robertson Facilities Management and look forward to being part of the community for many years to come.” Flintshire County Council Cabinet member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Mared Eastwood said: “I was delighted to represent the Council’s Climate Change committee and see this remarkable project coming to life. It not only reflects our commitment to high-quality education but also to a greener, more sustainable future for our children.” The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said: “I am delighted that the new Mynydd Isa Campus is open for learners. “So many pupils will benefit from these outstanding facilities which are net zero in operation, embedding our commitments towards reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. We are not just building a school, we’re creating an environment where the next generation can learn first-hand about sustainability.” Neil Cutting, Project Director at WEPCo, said: “We’re delighted with the net zero carbon solution for this project. A first of its kind for MIM, we are thrilled with the completed building which demonstrates how state of the art education facilities can be built responsibly. “Together with our construction partners, WEPCo is proud to have been entrusted with delivering this special 3-16 education campus for Flintshire County Council and the communities of Mynydd Isa, now and into the future. Diolch yn fawr.” The school is part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which is focused on modernising school buildings with sustainability at its heart. The project highlights the wider commitment of Flintshire County Council to tackle climate change and ensure that public buildings are built with the future in mind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The University of Cambridge with Jestico + Whiles and Bouygues UK have unveiled the Ray Dolby Centre, the landmark new building that serves as the home of the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics. Designed by the award-winning architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles and constructed by main contractor Bouygues UK in partnership with executive design partners NBBJ and BDP, this state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionise scientific research and education. The Cavendish Laboratory has been at the forefront of physics research for more than 150 years. With 31 Nobel Prizes emanating from it, The Cavendish Laboratory has been the grounds of numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the electron, the neutron, and the structure of DNA. Its new home, the Ray Dolby Centre, situated at the heart of Cambridge West Innovation District, sets the stage for a new era of scientific innovation. Spanning 32,900m² across five floors, the highly technical research and learning facility is equipped with laboratories, workshops, cleanrooms, offices, and collaborative spaces, all tailored to support a diverse array of physics research. Serving as a national hub for physics it hosts the new EPSRC National Facility, CORDE. The Collaborative R&D Environment will foster cooperation collaboration between industry and university researchers and enhance public access to groundbreaking scientific endeavours. Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists The Ray Dolby Centre is designed to inspire and educate, offering extensive teaching and learning spaces for its 1,100 staff members and students, including a 400-seat lecture theatre, undergraduate teaching labs, a learning resource centre, café space, and outreach and exhibition spaces organised around six peaceful courtyards and a connecting ‘street’ to encourage collaboration and interaction between staff and students. Jestico + Whiles’ design prioritises active fronts and an inclusive public realm, featuring a lively new south-facing central garden off JJ Thomson Avenue and three pocket rain gardens. Large picture windows provide views into the laboratories and public areas, showcasing the research and learning activities within. The central garden leads guests up to an elevated piazza and into the arrival space with twin floating lecture theatres adorned in burnished bronze shingles. Drawing inspiration from Cambridge’s distinct architectural heritage, the building’s facade features a durable, timeless combination of white polished concrete, glass, and aluminium. The Ray Dolby Centre’s facilities bridge the gap between the cutting-edge research happening within the university and the wider community, promoting greater engagement, outreach and understanding. Innovative and Intricate Design Both architecturally and technically complex, the project had to meet strict specifications to provide the perfect environment for world-class scientific research. Jestico + Whiles, Jacobs and Bouygues UK worked closely with the Department of Physics to understand the set of requirements needed for each of the 173 laboratories, adapting their design and construction methods to the experiments they will host. A deep basement is the home of the most vibration-sensitive equipment: the microscopy labs have achieved a VC-H vibration control (the highest rating) through passive means only; the laser labs require very close temperature (to 0.1 degree) and humidity control. The STM and cryostats labs required electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and infrasound shielding. Some labs have anti-static and/or non-magnetic requirements, leading the structural teams to use stainless steel instead of traditional rebar and resulting in the invention of a new type of epoxy flooring, in order to meet the unique set of performance criteria. The clean rooms cover almost 2,500m² and range from ISO 7 to ISO 3. The cleanest room, the EBL (electron beam lithography ISO3) is also non-ferrous, and has very high acoustic, vibration and environmental control capacity. Services include traditional solutions such as ventilation or laboratory gases, as well as liquid nitrogen distribution, toxic gases, specialist extracts, and a network of clean earthing. Sustainability is at the core of the Ray Dolby Centre’s design. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification and features a ground source heat pump system that will reduce operational energy consumption throughout the building’s lifespan, providing a robust and resilient solution for the Department of Physics’ 24/7 operations. In addition to the Ray Dolby Centre, the ground source heat pump supplies the adjacent West Hub, also designed by Jestico + Whiles and built by Bouygues UK, and has further spare capacity. The building includes 770 cycle spaces discreetly located beneath the raised public piazza, reflecting the high proportion of staff and students who use sustainable modes of transport. The Ray Dolby Centre is the centrepiece and final part of the University’s project to replace the previous facilities for the Cavendish Laboratory, which were outdated and had poor environmental performance. A Testament to Ray Dolby’s Legacy Named in recognition of a generous £85 million donation from the estate of Cambridge alumnus and sound pioneer Ray Dolby, along with £75 million support from the UK government through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Ray Dolby Centre stands as a testament to Dolby’s enduring legacy and commitment to scientific innovation. Phillippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, said: “We are immensely proud to have delivered the Ray Dolby Centre, a project that demanded the highest level of technical expertise and precision. Through close collaboration with the University of Cambridge and our committed partners, we have created advanced facilities that will support pioneering scientific research for years to come, with a focus on building for life. Working on such a transformative project has been incredibly rewarding for our team and partners, and the end result is a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved. We eagerly anticipate the substantial impact this state-of-the-art centre will have on the scientific community.” Jude Harris, Director at Jestico + Whiles, said, “The Ray Dolby Centre represents a significant milestone in our 10-year journey to create spaces that will enable scientific discovery and collaboration. Our design fosters an environment where researchers and students will be inspired to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. We are excited to see the next set of groundbreaking scientific advancements that will emerge from this remarkable facility.” Professor Mete Atatüre, Head

Kier has secured a major contract from the Department for Education to redevelop East Coast College in Great Yarmouth—transforming it into a modern, future-focused learning hub for the town. The multi-million-pound project will see the complete replacement of the existing facilities with a purpose-built campus, designed to support a wide range of vocational and academic programmes for both 16 to 19-year-olds and adult learners. Planned facilities include a mock hospital ward for aspiring healthcare professionals, a fully operational hair and beauty salon run by students, new sports amenities, training kitchens, restaurants, a lecture theatre, and advanced digital learning suites. The redevelopment will also feature updated spaces for staff and community use, creating a modern and welcoming environment for all users. A key focus of the project is sustainability. The new campus will harness solar power through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy. In addition, the design incorporates an enhanced building envelope to improve thermal efficiency—minimising heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer—helping to lower both operational costs and carbon emissions. The scheme forms part of the government’s £1.5 billion Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, with East Coast College being one of just 16 institutions across England selected to benefit. Mark Dady, managing director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, commented:“East Coast College is a landmark project due to the scale of teaching facilities on offer, and we look forward to continuing the great work we’ve done to date with both the college and the Department for Education. Kier will use its extensive expertise in delivering first-class educational facilities to build a campus that will benefit the local community and support students to achieve their full potential—ultimately inspiring future generations.” Construction is scheduled to begin on site this summer, paving the way for a revitalised educational offer in Great Yarmouth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has successfully completed the unique and intricate task of removing the original roof from the iconic Grade II Listed Central Building at the Castle Meadow Campus for University of Nottingham. As part of a comprehensive refurbishment to extend the life of this architectural city landmark, the original PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) roof has been replaced with a modern tensile structure, the latest generation in PVDF fabrics. Originally designed and installed in 1994 by Hopkins Architects and Arup, the roof is described as one of the most complicated roof structures in Europe. Prior to G F Tomlinson starting on site, the building was given a Grade II Listed status and at 30-years old is one of the youngest buildings to achieve this. This presented additional challenges to ensure the heritage requirements were met, whilst adhering to the original refurbishment needs. The building’s entire framework has been carefully refurbished to preserve its structural integrity and historical significance – a process which began mid-2024, with the removal of the building’s glass elements, repainting of the structural frame and refurbishing of key components. Temporary rigging and birdcage scaffolding were installed to stabilise the frame, while sections of the roof were removed in sequence, starting with the North and South sections, followed by the Main Roof Central section with its three floating Oculi and finally the East and West. Structural strengthening, including additional welding and the replacement of worn components was carried out before the placement of the new fabric. The project continues to progress, with the installation of a new glulam mezzanine floor to enhance the building’s functionality and a new central glass roof box to ensure plenty of natural light into the building. The final stages will include installation of new laminated glass to the roof, designed to meet modern building standards. The university are displaying some of the original structural parts of the building at the Castle Meadow Campus to showcase the architectural elements and to preserve the legacy of the building’s original design. This project has involved exceptional engineering feats – the new roof spans approximately 4,500 sq. metres, equivalent to the size of seven tennis courts, and the scaffolding used as a working platform for the replacement weighed 60 tonnes and stood seven meters tall, covering a platform area of 945 square meters. Over 5,000 bolts were removed and replaced, while 15 tonnes of existing glass will be reinstalled, complemented by an additional four tonnes of new glass within the facade. These significant works have been delivered in collaboration with Bond Bryan Architects and Arup Consultants. Specialist contractors, Base Structures have been responsible for the fabric replacement, with Novum Structures installing the glass box and internal glazed roof lights, underscoring the importance of preserving historical buildings while modernising them to meet current standards. As work progresses, G F Tomlinson remains committed to ensuring the Central Building continues to inspire future generations with its blend of innovation and heritage. Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “The Central Building project is a perfect example of how we combine innovative construction methods with heritage expertise to deliver transformative projects. The roof replacement represents a significant achievement, and we are proud to be playing a key role in extending the life of this iconic structure. Our longstanding working relationship with University of Nottingham, spanning over more than 7 capital projects has allowed us to contribute to the campus’s evolution and provide world-class facilities that reflect its reputation for excellence.” Fraser Shirley, Director and Project Manager at Base Structures said: “Having built many of the UKs most notable fabric canopies Base Structures fully appreciated the significance of this elegant and refined structure. The integrated tensegrity design was one of the first of its kind, making this a truly unique project. “The fabric replacement works on the Central Building was far from straightforward, presenting an incredibly challenging task as the original builders had never intended for it to be replaced. Due to the sensitive nature of the structure, a meticulous and carefully planned methodology was essential to minimise excessive loading on its components. Significant input from Tensys Ltd was instrumental in developing this approach. The success of this project was ultimately down to the vast experiences with the Tensys and Base design, project and site teams, who in collaboration with the main contractor, G F Tomlinson, carried out the works safely and seamlessly, ensuring the structure’s integrity was maintained throughout. Base Structures are proud to have played a part in extending its lifespan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed as the main contractor by Northumbria University to deliver the new North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), a landmark £30 million development at the university’s city campus in Newcastle. The contract follows a successful pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) and will involve the full demolition, new build, and extension of the existing Wynne Jones building. The transformation will see the creation of a cutting-edge facility with a new ground floor and six upper levels, covering approximately 900m². Once complete, NESST will house satellite manufacturing clean rooms, advanced prototyping labs, teaching laboratories, a Mission Operations Centre, and collaborative spaces designed to support partnerships with companies in the growing space manufacturing supply chain. Construction is already well underway with steelwork now rising on site. The new centre is set to become a hub for collaboration between academia and industry, enabling internationally significant research and development in space technology. Over the next three decades, NESST is projected to support the creation of more than 350 jobs and contribute over £260 million to the North East economy. The project is backed by substantial investment from the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space. Mark Gardham, Sector Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We look forward to continuing our long-standing, successful relationship with Northumbria University and delivering this state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Newcastle. “Our team of experts bring the engineering excellence necessary to work in such close proximity to vital transport infrastructure, collaborating closely with our supply chain partners and local stakeholders to deliver the project safely and efficiently, and make a positive impact on the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals