Mace has completed the UCL Marshgate building, part of the first phase of UCL’s new campus at East Bank on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Marshgate is UCL’s single largest building to date providing over 35,000sqm of cross-disciplinary teaching, research and learning spaces over eight floors. Designed by architects Stanton Williams
In a concerning turn of events, over 100 schools across England are grappling with the urgent need to secure their buildings, which contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The issue at hand revolves around the safety of these structures, which have been deemed potentially prone to collapse. With the safety
Morgan Sindall has completed work on a new school in Warwick. Kenilworth School and Sixth Form is part of Warwick District Council’s plans to increase school places and improve facilities in the region. The project involved Kenilworth School & Sixth Form relocating from two existing sites to a new facility
The construction of the 420-pupil primary school development at Graven Hill has completed and is being handed over to the Warriner Multi Academy Trust to welcome children from the 11th September 2023. Delivered on a three-acre site and funded by the Graven Hill development, the school was constructed by Kier
The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed Kier to deliver the redevelopment of Oak Academy in Bournemouth. A new campus design for the 900-place secondary school will replace the existing buildings on site, have a more concise and efficient layout, and will provide a variety of learning spaces, including science
An engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s education sector experience will be utilised on the build of a new net zero school in North Wales. Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, has secured the contract with Cyngor Gwynedd to deliver civil and structural work on
Children in Lichfield are gearing up to start their education in a brand-new school in September. Anna Seward Primary School will be welcoming its first cohort of pupils in the new school year, after undergoing a year-long build process. Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, delivered the construction works through the
UBS Asset Management and Reef Group have received approval to develop a life science campus in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, one of the largest in Europe. The decision from Stevenage Borough Council’s planning committee paves the way for the new Life Sciences hub to be delivered alongside GSK’s existing Global R&D facility
Projects will enhance facilities available for further education students across three city centre campuses Leicester College is undertaking several new building projects to refurbish and create new facilities across its three campuses in Leicester, set for completion this summer and later in 2023. The combined multi-million-pound projects have been funded
Alderbrook School in Solihull, West Midlands has celebrated the completion of a major stage in the construction of its new teaching block, which is being delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson. The two-storey building’s structure and roof are now complete, giving an idea of what the new teaching facility
Mace has completed the UCL Marshgate building, part of the first phase of UCL’s new campus at East Bank on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Marshgate is UCL’s single largest building to date providing over 35,000sqm of cross-disciplinary teaching, research and learning spaces over eight floors. Designed by architects Stanton Williams to provide new spaces for collaborative thinking, Marshgate unites activities across the arts, technology and science under one roof. Enabling students and staff to immerse themselves in innovative activities and cutting edge research. The floors are clustered into a series of ‘neighbourhoods’, each with its own double-height collaboration space to encourage cross-disciplinary knowledge share. The lower levels of the building include a network of publicly accessible spaces, with a café, exhibitions, art programmes, and activities, designed to draw the public into the heart of the building. The building creates a key interface with the wider Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park community. Its publicly accessible lower floors feature a curated programme of art and activities, including works by local artists, and landscaped outdoor settings providing a newly animated and accessible public realm. During construction Mace partnered with the UCL Plastics Waste Innovation Hub to replace all single-use plastics with fully reusable modular hoarding panels, recognised by LLDC as the new standard for all hoarding across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Reflecting UCL’s overarching mission to embed sustainability through its campus and culture, durability and energy efficiency were central to the design approach. The BREEAM Excellent-rated building is powered in part by renewable electricity, with the aim to reach net zero carbon by 2035 in keeping with the district’s wider sustainable energy strategy. Terry Spraggett, MD Public Sector Construction, Mace said: “Together with UCL, the project team and our supply chain partners’ we’ve delivered an outstanding building. We are immensely proud to be part of this journey. Marshgate is exceptional in its vision – championing collaboration not just between the students and academics but including the wider public. Working closely with the community has been key for us to ensure we create long-term social value for the wider campus. I can’t wait to see Marshgate open and all the great ideas and innovations come to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a concerning turn of events, over 100 schools across England are grappling with the urgent need to secure their buildings, which contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The issue at hand revolves around the safety of these structures, which have been deemed potentially prone to collapse. With the safety of students and staff at the forefront, schools have been tasked with implementing precautionary measures, which could entail the complex task of shoring up ceilings and ensuring structural integrity. Amid this concrete crisis, WSW Refurbishments has emerged as a vital player, offering innovative solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Collaborating closely with a team of seasoned engineers in the South East, WSW Refurbishments has been at the forefront of aiding in the identification of cases. Engineering Expertise in the South East One of the standout aspects of WSW Refurbishments’ involvement in this endeavour is its collaboration with expert engineers based in the South East. This partnership has enabled the company to tap into a wealth of specialised knowledge and experience in dealing with complex structural challenges. Creating Access and Safety To address the issue effectively, WSW Refurbishments has been instrumental in creating safe access to the affected areas within school buildings. This process is essential for both inspection and subsequent remediation efforts. Working Hand-in-Hand with Structural Engineers and Surveying Experts The collaboration between WSW Refurbishments, structural engineers, and surveying experts has been pivotal in formulating precise strategies to ensure the structural stability of the affected buildings. These professionals have joined forces to conduct thorough assessments and identify areas of concern. A Comprehensive Solution Across the South East Understanding the urgency and magnitude of the issue, WSW Refurbishments has dedicated extensive efforts to develop innovative procedures for aiding trusts and schools in identifying structural concerns. This commitment extends across the South East region, where the company has been actively engaged in assisting with building assessments and facilitating necessary actions. WSW Refurbishments’ proactive approach underscores its determination to support educational institutions in addressing critical safety challenges, ensuring a secure environment for students and staff members. Liaising with Schools to Ensure Smooth Operations Throughout this process, WSW Refurbishments has maintained open lines of communication with schools to coordinate their efforts and minimise the impact on students’ daily routines. This collaborative approach underscores the company’s commitment to delivering effective solutions while prioritising the well-being of all those involved. A Trusted Partner for Schools WSW Refurbishments’ track record of working with numerous schools over the years has positioned the company as a trusted partner in these critical times. The ability to adapt and address the concrete crisis reflects WSW Refurbishments’ commitment to safety and its expertise in handling complex structural challenges. As schools in England navigate the concrete safety issue, WSW Refurbishments remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions and ensuring the security and stability of educational facilities. In the face of adversity, WSW Refurbishments stands as a beacon of expertise and commitment to the safety of students and staff in schools across the South East. Colin Cheek, Managing Director of WSW Refurbishments, explains, “We have been working with a number of strategic partners to help locate and identify the concrete whereabouts, it is important parties work together to create a coordinated approach to tackling this challenge and ensuring Schools are safe for our children. I have no doubt more and more public buildings will be identified as needing work. Targeted sections of many of these structures will need additional support, or if identified as dangerous, this will require partial or complete demolition”. Established in 2008, WSW Refurbishments was created to set the standard in the refurbishment space. A family-owned private company that has strong values in ensuring a high standard of quality to provide all clients with a strong level of service. We believe that every space has the potential to inspire, and we are committed to helping out. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall has completed work on a new school in Warwick. Kenilworth School and Sixth Form is part of Warwick District Council’s plans to increase school places and improve facilities in the region. The project involved Kenilworth School & Sixth Form relocating from two existing sites to a new facility at Southcrest Farm, Glasshouse Lane in Kenilworth. Spanning over 36 acres of land, the new three-story campus offers 2,200 places, an increase of 440, helping to cater for the growing population in Kenilworth, a market town six miles southwest of Coventry. Procured through the Pagabo Framework and delivered for Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust (KMAT) and Warwick District Council, the school is now one of the largest in the UK. The design includes extensive teaching and social provision including two floodlit all-weather pitches, natural grass pitches and hard-court areas; a dining room with “grab-and-go” options, hall and theatre, community sports and changing facilities, and a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) suite. Following completion, the community and local sports clubs will have use of new sports and leisure facilities, and community groups will be able to hire the hall/theatre and other facilities at the school. The local air cadet group, 496 (Kenilworth & Balsall Common) Squadron, have also been invited to share the facilities. Richard Fielding, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “KMAT already had an existing reputation as one of the best schools in the area, so it was an honour to be a part of developing it even further. The completion of the new school marks exciting progress in the provision of public services for the growing town of Kenilworth. We are delighted to have completed construction works on one of the largest schools to have been built in the UK, and to deliver facilities which will benefit not only students and staff at the school, but the wider community for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of the 420-pupil primary school development at Graven Hill has completed and is being handed over to the Warriner Multi Academy Trust to welcome children from the 11th September 2023. Delivered on a three-acre site and funded by the Graven Hill development, the school was constructed by Kier on behalf of Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) and Oxfordshire County Council. The building has been designed with enhanced thermal values and high performance materials to the principles of Net Zero Carbon and achieved a BREEAM* Very Good rating. The photovoltaic panels will also provide power to the local grid when the school is not in use. As well as reducing the amount of heat and energy the school will use, the design also maximises natural ventilation in order to deliver a healthy place to learn. Andy Bolas, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We are delighted to have delivered a state-of-the-art new primary school for Graven Hill. The school has been designed and built to provide students and teachers with sustainable learning facilities which will serve the community well for decades to come.” Adrian Unitt Operations Director at GHVDC said: “We have overcome huge challenges in the UK construction industry, from significant inflation of costs to access to materials, so it is fantastic that we have succeeded in delivering the primary school prior to the occupation of the 550th home at Graven Hill. “Designed to promote collaboration and flexible learning, the new school will enhance the great sense of community spirit here. With a focus on great architecture, the building has been designed to reduce energy and water consumption, enhance ecology, protect biodiversity and maximise natural ventilation.” The two-form entry school is being run by the Warriner Academy Trust. It provides 12 classrooms, specialist facilities for art, design and technology and more than 13,000 sq. m of pitches, play and multi-use games areas. The early years facility will accommodate a further 90 pupils aged between 2-4 years in three classrooms, with dedicated facilities and play areas. The capacity of the site also enables the school to expand to three-forms of entry in future. Annabel Kay, CEO of the Warriner Multi Academy Trust said: “We are so excited by the opportunity to work closely with members of the Graven Hill community to ensure that the primary school is one that we are all proud of and, most importantly, one where our children can thrive. Being able to develop and establish a culture happens very rarely and we are all determined to make our school the very best that it can be. Both Keir and the GHVDC have worked so hard to deliver the most wonderful school for all of our children and we look forward to welcoming the community through our doors”. Cllr Calum Miller, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property at Oxfordshire County Council said: “I know how much residents in Graven Hill have been looking forward to the opening of their primary school. A school stands at the heart of its community so this marks an important point in the development of Graven Hill. Thank you to the team who have worked so well together to deliver the school at the start of the new academic year. I hope it will be the home of many happy memories for pupils – this year and for many years to come.” Graven Hill remains a hugely popular development. Unique and diverse, it offers a wide range of housing options from self-build and custom build, which can be tailored to your needs, to apartments and affordable homes. Significant amenities planned include a sports pavilion, pitches and allotments. A community centre is also set to be delivered by the local council. GHVDC is also seeking local contractors to tender for its next phase of new homes and apartments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed Kier to deliver the redevelopment of Oak Academy in Bournemouth. A new campus design for the 900-place secondary school will replace the existing buildings on site, have a more concise and efficient layout, and will provide a variety of learning spaces, including science and technology classrooms and improved facilities to cover sport, music, drama and SEND provision. Oak Academy will be net zero carbon in its operation, in line with the DfE’s latest output specification requirements. It will be a thermally efficient building incorporating the use of air source heat pump technology and a full bio-solar roof incorporating photovoltaic panels. The project is funded through the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme, which was announced in 2020, and is addressing either the rebuilding or major refurbishment of 500 schools with the highest condition need. The building has been designed using Kier’s kSchool design platform to reflect the school’s desire to serve as the heart of the community. The H-shaped layout centres around an open dining space with glazed elevations, adjacent courtyards to encourage socialising and learning, and configurations to allow the school hall, sports hall and changing facilities to be used by the wider community after hours. Kier is committed to providing support to the school throughout the design, build, handover and post occupancy phases to ensure that they derive the maximum benefit and most efficient operation from their new building. Mark Norris, operations director at Kier Construction London & Southern, said: “We are delighted to be appointed by the Department for Education to create a new home for Oak Academy, one which will deliver improved, sustainable facilities for students, staff and the community. “This innovative net zero carbon in operation project will combine improved facilities under one roof, making more efficient use of the site’s footprint and allow the school to increase its student and staff intake. “We look forward to using our wealth of first-class education facility experience to bring this project to fruition, positively impacting the wider community and its next generation of talent.” Oak Academy is part of the Ambitions Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust serving schools in or close to the Bournemouth and Weymouth areas. The Trust’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Principal and Directors have been involved with the project from the start. Sian Thomas, CEO at Ambitions Academies Trust commented: “We are excited that Oak Academy will have a new school with such superb facilities. Ensuring that future generations will have a great school in which to thrive is so important and means a lot to the whole community.” This appointment is the latest appointment for Kier on the Department for Education Construction framework and further strengthens its position as a leading provider of educational facilities across the UK. Recent appointments include Emmanuel School, a new sustainable community primary school in Havering; Carew Academy, a new SEND school in Wallington; Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, a partial rebuild project in Wotton-under-Edge; and Thomas Keble School, a new secondary school in Gloucester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s education sector experience will be utilised on the build of a new net zero school in North Wales. Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, has secured the contract with Cyngor Gwynedd to deliver civil and structural work on the new Community Campus in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon. Funded via the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools’ Challenge, £12 million will finance the net zero project, which includes community facilities on the wider campus, such as a hall, office space, and car charging points. There are currently two buildings on the site, a community centre located in a former Victorian school, and the current Ysgol Bontnewydd in a 1970’s building. Both are part of Cyngor Gwynedd’s plan to reuse materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the new development. Caulmert has so far completed a survey of the current school site to assess what can be repurposed prior to demolition and is set to carry out further investigations. Reflecting Wales’ net zero carbon mandate, the firm’s analysis of the current structures will feed into the building information modelling (BIM) team’s recommendations. David High, associate at Caulmert, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Cyngor Gwynedd again, they are a great client and we enjoyed working with them on the £9m new Ysgol Y Garnedd project in Bangor. “A key element of this project will focus on minimising carbon emissions for the construction process, keeping sustainability front of mind. “We welcome the opportunity to be part of such a pioneering scheme, a new net zero school in North Wales, which will no doubt set a precedent for other institutions in the region.” Richard Farmer, project manager at Cyngor Gwynedd, added: “Bontnewydd Community Campus is an exciting and innovative opportunity for us all. “The Welsh government has challenged us to demonstrate our vision for sustainable construction and community involvement in school construction. “Both the design process and the final building will be exemplars and we are pleased to welcome Caulmert to the team.” Cyngor Gwynedd also has plans to introduce as many types of renewable energy as possible, and to utilise surplus locally where achievable. A nearby river, Afon Gwyrfai, also has the potential to provide a source for hydroelectric and water source heat pumps. Transport to and from classes will factor into the school’s sustainable ethos too, with safe travel links for walking or cycling to be established. Founded in 2009, Caulmert is on track to meet an ambitious growth and development plan. Its expertise in a variety of planning, environmental and engineering disciplines is supported by its use of BIM to a level two standard in many of its projects. For more information visit www.caulmert.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Children in Lichfield are gearing up to start their education in a brand-new school in September. Anna Seward Primary School will be welcoming its first cohort of pupils in the new school year, after undergoing a year-long build process. Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, delivered the construction works through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework, alongside Staffordshire County Council, design and project managers Entrust and architects Arc Partnership. The £7m two-storey school will initially welcome nursery and reception pupils before filling up year on year to accommodate 210 school pupils and 26 nursery places. The school, which has been built in response to increased demand for places in the local area, boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, large hall, dedicated design and technology room and a full production kitchen to provide healthy meals for pupils and staff. The accommodation makes good use of natural light, ventilation, and technology to provide modern energy-efficient spaces, as well as modern outdoor formal and informal play spaces. Anna Seward Primary School will be part of the highly successful Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which runs six other facilities in Lichfield. An official ceremony to celebrate its opening is planned to take place in September 2023, once staff and pupils have started the new term. G F Tomlinson provided £212,976.00 of social value added opportunities for the local community, including organised site visits and career talks with students from nearby schools and recycled 98 per cent of its construction waste generated on site which was diverted from landfill – contributing positively to the local environment and the national carbon net-zero agenda. Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Anna Seward Primary has been built in response to local housing developments, which have increased demand for school places in the Lichfield area. It has been great to see the school constructed over the past few months and, although the school summer holidays are currently in full swing, I’m sure many parents and pupils will be looking forward to starting their education in a brand-new school come September.” Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have completed another project for Staffordshire County Council and continue our excellent working relationship, playing our part in expanding primary school provision in the local community. “Seeing Anna Seward Primary School take shape over the last few months has been truly rewarding – knowing that the school will provide an exceptional learning environment for many local children.” Richard Gill CBE, the ATLP CEO, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see many months of planning and hard work come to fruition at Anna Seward Primary, where we have assembled a first-class teaching team. “The ATLP has built a highly respected reputation for delivering excellence in education to primary and secondary school pupils in Lichfield and beyond. Parents of Anna Seward pupils can expect such high standards.” This is the sixth school G F Tomlinson has delivered for Staffordshire County Council to date, these include the most recent Bramshall Meadows First School in Uttoxeter and Fradley Park Primary School in Lichfield last Summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UBS Asset Management and Reef Group have received approval to develop a life science campus in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, one of the largest in Europe. The decision from Stevenage Borough Council’s planning committee paves the way for the new Life Sciences hub to be delivered alongside GSK’s existing Global R&D facility and the vibrant ecosystem at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. The scheme will deliver a world-class, sustainable, and connected life science campus bringing together companies from early-stage through to commercialisation and helping to meet the growing demand for GMP manufacturing and laboratory space in the UK. Construction is expected to start in late 2023. The 15-building campus, which will be named ‘Elevate Quarter’, will be set around a central green with an interconnecting network of paths and open spaces. The buildings for the new campus will comprise a variety of different uses, including R&D labs and offices, GMP manufacturing facilities and flexible lab buildings, as well as training, innovation and collaboration spaces. Employee and visitor amenity spaces will include restaurants, cafes, and leisure facilities. There will be three Green Transport Hubs which will provide multi-storey car parking, bike parking and potential scooter/e-bike hire spaces. Olivia Drew, Portfolio Manager, Real Estate and Private Markets, UBS Asset Management, said: “The delivery of the new life science campus will leverage years of unparalleled experience across both UBS and Reef. The buildings have been carefully designed to be at the cutting edge of sustainability and will facilitate world-leading R&D and advanced manufacturing. The new campus will support thousands of new jobs and boost the UK’s position as a global life sciences leader.” Piers Slater, Joint Chief Executive, Reef Group, said: “The approval of our new life science campus in Stevenage further cements its position as Europe’s leading cluster for advanced therapies. Stevenage is ideally positioned to attract world-class talent and the campus will facilitate further collaboration between major multinationals and biotechs. The campus has been designed to allow these life science businesses to grow and scale-up over time and to create an open and accessible environment for both employees and the wider public.” Image Credit: Hawkins Brown Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Projects will enhance facilities available for further education students across three city centre campuses Leicester College is undertaking several new building projects to refurbish and create new facilities across its three campuses in Leicester, set for completion this summer and later in 2023. The combined multi-million-pound projects have been funded by Leicester College and the Department for Education, The Savoy Educational Trust, and the Office for Students (OfS). The projects include: Principal and CEO of Leicester College, Verity Hancock said: “The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity to drive forwards with our ambitious infrastructure programme with some works completing during this time and some new work starting that will be completed in 2023/24. This will rebuild, refurbish and create new, state of the art facilities for our existing and new student cohorts at the College.” Talking about the T level Capital Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grants nationally, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeship and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “This boost of over £100 million is our latest investment in T levels. These are robust, high-quality technical qualifications providing a unique ladder of opportunity for students to gain both classroom knowledge and on-the-job experience. “From robotics suites that support digital T levels to simulated health wards where students can get a real sense of what it means to work in Healthcare Science, T levels will support young people into rewarding careers and back businesses with the skills of the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alderbrook School in Solihull, West Midlands has celebrated the completion of a major stage in the construction of its new teaching block, which is being delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson. The two-storey building’s structure and roof are now complete, giving an idea of what the new teaching facility will look like as it moves into the next phase of construction. To celebrate this stage in the programme a topping out ceremony was attended by members of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, representatives from G F Tomlinson and school staff, including Tom Beveridge, Headteacher. Due for completion late summer 2023, the works will provide the school with an additional seven classrooms, ancillary spaces, toilets, reception area, along with school bus parking and increased car parking for staff and visitors. As part of the scheme, G F Tomlinson has planted a number of trees on the school grounds – with the help of Alderbrook School pupils – which will enhance the existing ecology of the site and attract insects and animals to thrive within the grounds. Through its work with the school and the client, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, G F Tomlinson pledged to deliver £958,371 worth of social value added and has exceeded this target by delivering over £1.5million’s worth ahead of its completion later this summer. During the project, G F Tomlinson have supplied local labour and spend opportunities through its ‘Meet the Buyer’ events, engaging with local businesses to work on the scheme, alongside apprenticeship placements for young people and mental health awareness campaigns for all site personnel. The contractor also volunteered at the school’s ‘Life Ready Day’ on 3 July, to support students with their mock interviews, providing ‘career in construction’ workshops. Ian Dalby, operations manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s brilliant to see progress being made on Alderbrook School, which will allow for an influx of more students and provide state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance learning. “Our commitment to social value continues to be at the forefront of all the projects that we deliver, and we’re delighted to have exceeded our target for the school. We look forward to seeing the doors of the new teaching block open to students.” Councillor Michael Gough, Solihull Council Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “Ensuring that the children of Solihull have great spaces in which to learn is incredibly important to us. Having seen what’s gone up already and looked over the plans I’m really excited to see the finished building and what a difference it will make to the teachers and pupils of Alderbrook School. I’d like to thank G F Tomlinson for the excellent work they’ve done so far, and I look forward to the completion of the work and seeing the new classrooms being put to great use.” To find out more about Alderbrook School, please visit: www.alderbrookschool.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
