Clegg Construction’s project to deliver a £8.8m skills hub designed to train Nottinghamshire-based students for careers in emerging industries continues to progress well, ahead of its completion next summer, with the scheme’s steel frame now being erected. The Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange at West Nottinghamshire College’s bustling Chesterfield Road campus will provide 1,343 sq.m. of teaching and innovation space. The state-of-the-art, steel frame building – currently under construction on the site of the college’s former art and design building which was once home to the Mansfield School of Art – will help facilitate the delivery of a variety of T-Level courses being introduced by the college, with a strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, including construction. This highly anticipated facility will also provide a purpose-built space in which the college’s students and partner Nottingham Trent University (NTU) can work with local employers on projects to support the use of evolving technology, helping to meet future labour market needs, decrease skills gaps, and contribute to the creation of well-paid jobs in Mansfield and the wider district. Over the past few months, Clegg has cleared the site and progressed split-level groundworks, and the project is now beginning to come to life as the steel frame is erected ahead of envelope works commencing. Additionally, not all of the old School of Art building has gone forever; the former building’s original stone portico feature – including the frieze, name stone and cornice – has been carefully dismantled and stored, and will provide the feature entrance to the new facility. The new building is set across two floors, responding to the sloping site. It will use light wells to maximise natural light on the lower ground floors alongside heat recovery and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems to help provide a comfortable learning environment. Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be working with one of the leading further education providers in the East Midlands on the construction of its Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange hub. “As a Nottinghamshire-based contractor, several of our staff, including me, are West Nottinghamshire College alumni and neighbours – and many of us began our respective career journeys with a traineeship. We appreciate the value of pathways such as T-Levels and Apprenticeships in encouraging the next generation of young professionals to join the multi-faceted construction sector, and we are especially excited to be involved in the creation of these new facilities.” The skills hub is being constructed on land to the rear of the college’s sixth-form building, with both set to co-exist on the same site. The site team has been working closely with the college to safeguard students, staff and visitors and minimise the impact of works on the learning environment. This has been achieved through considerate programme management, stringent health and safety procedures, and a collaborative communication strategy. Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, said: “I’m delighted to see the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange emerge from the ground and begin to take shape. It is a fantastic, physical symbol of a growing sense of optimism and a determination to embrace technology – and to create an exciting and prosperous future for local people. “We look forward to working with our partners from Nottingham Trent University and in local businesses to help young people, adult learners and employers to develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to seize opportunities and grow our economy. “This building will provide a great partner to our sixth-form college on Chesterfield Road and make this site a focus for nurturing skills and expanding knowledge in the very heart of the East Midlands.” Funding for the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange is through a £4.3 million allocation from Mansfield District Council’s Towns Fund pot, £3.8 million from the Education and Skills Funding Agency as part of the second phase of its Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, and £734,000 from the college and NTU. Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “To see the steel frame structure in place for this state-of-the-art facility is a proud moment for the council as we are starting to see the reality of our regeneration plans for education in Mansfield come to life. “I am confident that the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange, once constructed and fully operational, will attract new employers to Mansfield as it develops high-level, industry-relevant skills here. “Our partnership with the college to bring one of the biggest expansions in educational and skills provision for decades is one I am incredibly proud of, and I cannot wait to see the site works gather pace and conclude in the coming months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction work at East Bank, the UK’s newest cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has been awarded the highest ranking for sustainable construction. East Bank partner London College of Fashion, UAL, was awarded a BREEAM Outstanding rating, the highest ranking possible, while the surrounding public realm and retail premises were awarded the BREEAM Excellent rating for their high levels of energy efficiency, strong public transport connections, and sustainable use of materials. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for buildings, and earning an “Excellent” rating means the development meets high standards in areas such as energy use, water conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality. With the Mayor of London’s robust environmental policies and sustainability goals, achieving this certification not only helps reduce the building’s long-term operational costs but also aligns the project with broader urban development goals. For an academic institution, this level of sustainability enhances its reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious entity, which can attract students, staff, and funding from organizations that prioritize green practices. Rosanna Lawes, Executive Director of Development, London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “Achieving such high levels of BREEAM certification for a project of this scale and complexity requires a truly collaborative effort between designers, clients and constructors.  The project team developed a strong evidence base to keep asking ‘How are we doing, and can we do better?’  Mapping the individual BREEAM credits through the design and build stages left the project team clear of what was needed to be done and when.  This pragmatic pursuit of high sustainability ambition defines LLDC’s approach to its developments, with learnings from each project being applied to our subsequent developments.       “Our thanks in particular to London College of Fashion, UAL, Allies and Morrison, Buro Happold, LDA Design and Mace for enabling us to reach our sustainability goals.” Heather Francis, Chief Operating Officer, University of the Arts London, said: “Achieving BREEAM Outstanding certification for the construction of London College of Fashion’s East Bank campus – following the awarding of Outstanding for its design – is a significant milestone for the University and reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability. This recognition also underscores the hard work, collaboration and shared vision of our partners and the project team at UAL. The building will not only inspire creativity and innovation but do so while championing environmental responsibility.”  Nancy Wood, Sustainability & Physics Director, Buro Happold, said: “London College of Fashion, UAL, is a robust and resilient building that could only have been delivered by a truly integrated team. We worked closely with LLDC, UAL and the design and construction team to set a clear sustainability vision and pioneering targets at the outset of the project in 2015. This shared commitment has enabled us to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, as well as targets beyond BREEAM. Key wellbeing features include a welcoming staircase to encourage physical activity, well daylit environments and areas of natural ventilation with orientation-specific shading strategies. To tie into UAL’s Net Zero Carbon target by 2040, operational and embodied carbon has been minimised. Key sustainable design features include high performance glass, high thermal mass, solar panels to generate electricity, a brown roof, connection to the district heat network. The water strategy includes greywater reuse and recycled rainwater.” Andrew Kinsey, Mace Operations Director – Sustainability, said: “Achieving BREEAM Outstanding for the London College of Fashion and BREEAM Excellent for the public realm and retail projects at Stratford Waterfront showcases the exceptional dedication of the Mace team and the contractors to advancing more sustainable construction. Their rigorous attention to detail in gathering evidence and meeting stringent sustainability criteria underscores the team’s success in delivering high-performance, environmentally responsible buildings. “BREEAM certification not only demonstrates LLDC’s commitments to the Mayor of London’s sustainability objectives but also ensures compliance with the UK’s tightening building regulations. The results are a reduced risk of penalties or costly retrofits in the future. For an academic institution, a sustainable, high-performance building can also serve as a showcase for cutting-edge design and green technology, reflecting the institution’s leadership in sustainability and setting a benchmark for future development. The quality of the public realm complements the whole and demonstrates the high standards that can be achieved when all parties work closely together.” News of the BREEAM certification gained at Stratford Waterfront comes shortly after UCL was awarded the same accreditation for its UCL East campus which includes its Marshgate and One Pool Street buildings. East Bank is the UK’s newest cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. East Bank is made up of UCL East and London College of Fashion, UAL (both opened Autumn 2023), Sadler’s Wells East (opening 2024), V&A East Museum and Storehouse (scheduled to open in 2025) and BBC Music Studios (opening late 2026/early 2027). This collaborative partnership is rooted in the diverse communities of east London and is a reflection of the creative spirit and legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. East Bank represents the biggest cultural investment from the Mayor of London with support from HM Government and the four Growth Boroughs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

AS PART of wider refurbishment works taking place at Oxford Brookes University’s Headington Campus, work has been completed to increase the number of teaching spaces available to staff and students and improve existing buildings, collectively valued at £1M.  Completed over the summer in preparation for the new academic year, parts of the John Henry Brookes Building have been redeveloped over ten weeks to create two new large teaching spaces. Stepnell, which heavily specialises in the higher education sector, completed mechanical and electrical works along with necessary demolitions and construction of the new streamlined office space.  As part of the project Stepnell also undertook the fire protection work on the Gibbs building over a nine-week period, upgrading the 1970s building to latest safety standards.  Procured through the Refit & Refurbishment Framework from national provider Pagabo, the respective project completions build on Stepnell’s long-standing relationship with Oxford Brookes University as the sixth and seventh projects completed with the University.  Ian Batchelor, operations manager at Stepnell said: “These refurbishment projects have allowed us to showcase our expertise, not only in the education realm but also within Oxford and South of England. Working alongside our Oxford-based team and their knowledge of the local supply chain, our construction and joinery capabilities have shone in support of the university’s ongoing ambitions for its campus.  “We have been able to demonstrate our clear understanding of live site working, which is incredibly common within education projects, working with our project partners collaboratively on elements such as dust suppression and noise control plans, to ensure that teaching quality retains its already high standard. We’re pleased to have been able to call on our expertise to prepare the buildings in sufficient time before the new academic year.”  As well as working with the university, the Stepnell team also worked closely with appointed management team MGAC, architects ADP Architecture and licensed approved contractor Maylarch, the latter of whom supported Stepnell with the removal of asbestos from the Gibbs building.  Mark Tugwell, deputy director of estates at Oxford Brookes University, commented: “The creation of two large teaching spaces within our John Henry Brookes Building has been an important project for the University. As part of our Oxford Campus Vision, we are in the process of bringing together our Oxford-based activity on the Headington Campus and these high-quality spaces and improvements to the Gibbs building will help to ensure we continue providing an excellent student and staff experience.   “Our campus spaces need to respond to the evolving needs of the University’s community and the rapidly changing world of education. We are pleased to have worked with Stepnell on this project as they have helped to make this a reality and understand the importance of ensuring work was completed in time for the new academic year.”   Ben Jones, southern region head of delivery at Pagabo, said: “There is a huge amount of potential in every existing building, with refurbishment playing a huge role in their future success – something particularly important within education estates. We’re always pleased to see the positive outcomes of the projects procured through our frameworks – in this case, students benefitting from improved and increased teaching space, and the university generating positive social value and making best use of its estate.”  Offered as standard throughout all of Stepnell’s projects in both the private and public sector, increased focus on social value impact was considered throughout the project. As part of this, Stepnell offered project placement work for students in relevant study courses at the university.  To find out more about Stepnell’s education expertise, visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Beaconfields Primary School and Nursery in Stafford, Dunstall Park Primary School and Garden Village Primary School both in Tamworth, will provide much-needed school places and state-of-the-art facilities for local children. The schools have been built by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, for Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Entrust, and were procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework. Built to meet the increase in local demand for pupil places by housing developments, the two-storey schools have welcomed their first set of pupils and will grow year-on-year to eventually accommodate 210 children each. The schools have a combined value of £20 million which represents a significant investment in the region’s educational infrastructure. Beaconfields Primary School and Nursery, located on Ransom Avenue in Stafford, includes nine modern state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a school hall with acoustic panelling, and catering facilities. The school also features multiple outdoor play areas and is managed by the Creative Learning Partnership Trust. Situated within the Dunstall Park Estate in Tamworth, the new Dunstall Park Primary School features seven classrooms, a dedicated nursery area, an indoor hall, and outdoor sports facilities. This school is the second project delivered by G F Tomlinson that will be managed by the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP). Located on Eagle Drive in Amington, Garden Village Primary Academy (main picture) also offers multiple classrooms, staff offices and an indoor sports hall, along with outdoor play areas and an extensive playing field. The academy will be managed by the Fiertè Multi Academy Trust. Ready for pupils to start the 2024/25 academic year, the schools were designed using the Entrust ‘Touchstone’ model, which standardises design and specification to ensure build efficiencies, optimal learning environments and the capacity for future expansion. The energy efficient designs ensure optimal daylight and natural ventilation alongside high levels of insulation – to contribute to the council’s commitment to Climate Change and the Net Zero Agenda. As part of G F Tomlinson’s commitment to delivering social value, a total of £1.3 million social value-added was provided across all three projects, including site tours for local residents and 172 apprentice weeks with valuable on-the-job training provided. 99% of construction waste was diverted from landfill and 77% of labour sourced locally within a 40-mile radius – contributing positively to the local environment and national carbon net-zero agenda. Adrian Grocock, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are immensely proud to have completed the three schools in partnership with Entrust and Staffordshire County Council. This milestone marks our tenth school project delivered together, further strengthening our long-standing collaboration. “The schools will provide vital education facilities for the growing communities in Staffordshire, offering modern and inspiring environments for children to learn and thrive. We look forward to continuing our work with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust, with future projects such as St John’s Grange Primary School, in Lichfield, already underway.” Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education Jonathan Price said: “With an increase in demand for school places coming from local housing developments, the county council has worked hard to ensure there are sufficient school places in Stafford and Tamworth to accommodate pupils. By planning early and working with developers, we can ensure there are enough spaces to accommodate new housing developments. “These brand new, bright and modern schools will grow year-on-year to provide the best foundation for hundreds of pupils as they start their educational journey. I’ve been pleased to watch these schools take shape over the past few months and seeing the delight of pupils as they start their school journey in brand new, bright and modern schools.” Claire McAnulty, Entrust’s Managing Director, said: “Entrust’s property design team have worked in close collaboration with our partners to deliver this latest school project and we are incredibly proud of the end result. Our whole approach to design and project management is to strive to create better outcomes – with pupils, learning and our environment at the heart of our efforts.” As the partnership with Entrust continues, G F Tomlinson remains committed to delivering projects that provide lasting value and benefit to local residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Grace Academy School in Coventry celebrated the opening of its upgraded facilities in a community launch ceremony this week with Ireland International football player, Andrew Townsend, in attendance. Regional contractors joined forces to carry out ‘The BIG Build’ charitable programme of works over the summer at Grace Academy and the event brought together members of the school and all suppliers to unveil brand-new classroom facilities and sensory spaces which will enrich the lives of students. Attendees enjoyed a tour of the enhancement works, live music, canapes and a speech from Andrew Townsend. McLaren Construction Midlands and North division and Opus Land led the community project which has been supported by Architect – Webb Gray, Structural Engineer – SBK, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – CPW and Landscaper – Whiting’s, who provided the landscape and raised beds works. The works have included a complete refurbishment and remodelling of existing classrooms to form larger teaching and sensory spaces, alongside access to the outside. New walls, ceilings and floorings have also been installed, complemented by new LED lighting, heating, security and fire alarm systems. The newly reconfigured environments will offer room for small group intervention and 1-2-1 support, with internal staff and external agencies ensuring students with special educational and emotional needs can be as fully equipped as possible for success. Head of Grace Academy, Natasha Whiles, said: “We are so incredibly grateful and blessed with the new facilities. It’s such an improvement on our old facilities – and I can’t wait to see the student’s faces when they come in and see their new space, and just how amazing it looks.” Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “We are proud to have led this community project with Opus Land with the support of regional contractors – giving back to this incredible academy. “The ceremony was a fantastic event, showcasing state-of-the-art classrooms and new spaces within the existing school that will improve the lives of the current and future intake of students. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the designers and contractors who committed to supporting this project alongside everyone who attended in celebrating the programme.” Joint Managing Director of Opus Land, Richard Smith, said: “We are most grateful to McLaren Construction and all the other companies involved in the BIG Build for their tremendous generosity here. “Opus originally got involved in The Grace Academy through their development of the nearby Prospero estate on the Ansty Business Park and soon came to realise the tremendous results that the school fulfils for the local community. It was wonderful to celebrate the new improvements to the Grace Academy which will enhance the lives of so many.” McLaren Construction Midlands and North serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bouygues UK and Stanmore College hosted a well-attended Groundbreaking ceremony on 12 September to celebrate the start of construction of the new college. Distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Harrow Salim Chowdhury, London Borough of Harrow Deputy Leader Marilyn Ashton and Councillor Zak Wagman, as well as representatives from Harrow Council and The Department for Education (DfE) attended the ceremony, highlighting the significance of this transformative project. Bouygues UK has been appointed by the DfE to undertake the construction of the new Stanmore College under the CF21 Framework. Funded by the DfE’s Further Education Improvement Programme, the project involves the reconfiguration of the college’s existing site, replacing four outdated buildings with four state-of-the-art new builds. The construction is set to be completed by summer 2027. Bouygues UK brings a proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable, and inspiring learning environments. Utilising its standardised ‘kit of parts’ approach for the build, the contractor aims to integrate net-zero principles to ensure flexibility, affordability, sustainability, reduced ongoing maintenance, and certainty of price and programme. In alignment with their commitment to the education sector, Bouygues UK will induct its first cohort of T Level students into Design Surveying and Planning internships. Developed in collaboration with the social enterprise Class Of Your Own, these internships are part of the award-winning “Design Engineer Construct!” learning programme, which immerses future professionals in cutting-edge projects. Phillippa Prongué, Managing Director for London and the South East at Bouygues UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the project in her welcome speech: “We’re excited to reach this milestone and be part of this important project for the DfE. The new facility will transform the campus and provide a great learning environment for future students. Our approach will ensure that the build is both sustainable and adaptable, meeting the educational needs of today while being mindful of future demands. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local community.” Stanmore College Principal, Annette Cast, also shared her vision: “Stanmore College will provide a state-of-the-art inclusive learning campus in the heart of the Stanmore community that will ensure all local people can benefit from the best possible education and training to enable them to achieve the best employability skills.  The College will be an educational hub providing a unique educational destination for local people to acquire the relevant skills, training and education to support them to access and build their career ambitions. The learning campus will be a flexible and accessible place where staff, students, employers and stake holders can gather, interrogate, learn, gain skills and progress as well as become a lifetime member of an inclusive learning community.” The Mayor of Harrow Salim Chowdhury stated that: “Stanmore College has always been a cornerstone in the community.  Redevelopment will enhance in that role and will finally place the College in the heart of Stanmore and beyond.” The groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a cutting-edge educational environment at Stanmore College, underscoring the collaborative efforts and shared commitment of all stakeholders involved. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aston University is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the landmark 10 Woodcock Street building, previously owned by Birmingham City Council.  This strategic expansion will accommodate several of Aston University’s world-renowned schools and strategic initiatives, further solidifying the University’s commitment to innovation, business excellence, sustainability and community engagement in line with its bold 2030 Strategy. Originally opened by Birmingham City Council in 2011 as the second-largest purpose-built office building in Birmingham, 10 Woodcock Street was designed by Associated Architects and spans 8,000 square meters. The building served as the city council’s flagship site, housing over 3,000 staff members.  The building’s outstanding design and functionality have earned it numerous awards, including the National BCO Test of Time Award in 2017, National and Regional BCO Awards in 2013 and the Built in Quality Award in 2012. It also holds a BREEAM Excellent rating, reflecting its strong sustainability credentials. The newly acquired building will serve as a dynamic hub for several key schools and initiatives, including the globally recognised Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Aston Vision Sciences and the new state-of-the-art Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub.  The building will also house the Aston Business Incubator, which will open its doors to the most innovative tech businesses in Birmingham and the surrounding region. The new Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub will offer comprehensive preventative health and wellbeing services and will showcase the latest advancements in digital healthcare technology including a digital centre for remote patient monitoring. The hub will adopt an innovative ‘living lab’ concept by embedding research, training and student placements.  The Healthcare Hub will serve not only Aston University’s staff and students, but also the wider Birmingham community, underscoring the University’s commitment to improving public health outcomes. The new home of the ‘triple crown accredited’ Aston Business School will include the new Aston University CEO Academy and Executive Education Lounge, as well as contemporary business simulation labs (including the cutting-edge trading simulation lab and fintech lab).  The contemporary staff and student facilities will include a new restaurant and several social spaces for engagement and meetings, self-study and digitally enabled group work. Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, Professor Aleks Subic, expressed excitement about the acquisition:  “The purchase of 10 Woodcock Street represents a significant milestone in Aston University’s development.  “This world-class facility will provide a unified home for our internationally renowned Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Vision Sciences and our game changing Integrated Healthcare Hub, while also supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs through our Aston Business Incubator.  “This move aligns with our vision to drive innovation, support business growth and deliver impactful research and education that transform lives and drive inclusive growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals