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
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,
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
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
Kier has been appointed to redevelop the King’s Academy Bay House School in Gosport, providing students with a range of new facilities. The project is the latest Kier has won to support the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme, with others including Oak Academy and Northolt High School. The scheme
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,
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training hub in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy and maritime industries. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-edge development at Endeavour
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
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 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
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
Kier has been appointed to redevelop the King’s Academy Bay House School in Gosport, providing students with a range of new facilities. The project is the latest Kier has won to support the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme, with others including Oak Academy and Northolt High School. The scheme will see 6862m2 of new teaching blocks installed and over 4000m2 of existing teaching space refurbished. The new build elements of the project will provide a wide variety of learning spaces to equip teachers and students with high quality new facilities, including science laboratories, art studios and music rooms. Designed to be net carbon zero in operation, the school will benefit from a range of sustainable features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and passive ventilation; a design feature which helps keep the building at an optimum temperature without using energy. Living roofs, atriums full of natural light and the addition of a central courtyard and entrance plaza will give the whole school community a modern and inspirational learning space to call home. New electric vehicle charging points will be installed as well as additional cycle storage. A modern building with a mix of brick and blue accents, surrounded by greenery and featuring people in the foreground. The current school building features the famous Grade II listed Bay House, with its accompanying gate house and front wall, originally built in 1838. The gothic style building will be retained and incorporated into the school’s new pedestrian entrance. Through extensive repairs to the roof, windows, doors, fascia and stonework by Kier specialist supply chain, the heritage of the site in Gosport will be maintained for generations to come. The project was procured through the Department for Education’s High Value Band Framework. 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
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training hub in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy and maritime industries. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-edge development at Endeavour Wharf that will provide essential skills training, business accommodation, and engineering facilities for the next generation of maritime professionals. The project is being delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and Enjoy Architects, and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Procured via the SCAPE Construction Framework, the facility will include training and certification for the maritime, marine, and offshore renewable sectors, as well as office space for marine start-ups, engineering workshops, and space for service providers. Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, said: “This is a significant moment for this project. We believe the hub can open the door to new economic growth in coastal areas and be a landmark development for Whitby, placing the town at the forefront of the growing renewable energy sector. “It is imperative that there is a sustainable and diverse range of job opportunities for our communities, and the building of a world-class training facility can only help inspire the next generation of apprentices and professionals in the maritime sector.” The training hub is designed to complement the town’s historic maritime views and heritage, building on Whitby’s long-standing connections to fishing and sailing. Initially, North Yorkshire Council will manage the facility, with plans to potentially transfer operations to a community interest company in the future. The goal is to attract local, regional, and national businesses to use the space, supporting year-round employment and reducing Whitby’s dependence on seasonal industries like tourism. The hub aims to create long-term commercial opportunities that will fuel the coastal economy and support skilled job creation. Barry Harland, Chair of the Whitby Town Board, said: “Presenting new opportunities for people in and around Whitby is the main reason for the hub being built. I hope the excitement will build even further as the opportunities that these facilities will offer for local families become clearer over the next year, and more people and organisations engage with the project as it moves towards completion.” Funding for the project is part of the Government’s Town Deals programme, which awarded £37.3 million to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021 to drive local regeneration and economic development. 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
