Henry Brothers have been awarded a £9 million contract to construct a new Enterprise Innovation Centre for Trent University. The project is the third undertaken by Henry Brothers Midlands for the university – and the latest in a number of schemes completed in the higher education sector across the East Midlands. The building will be the focal point of NTU’s enterprise activities – from supporting start-up companies to commercialising research, advising on intellectual property and offering services to local businesses. The £9 million, four-storey building will be linked to the University’s existing Dryden Centre at the City Campus in Nottingham and will provide the flexible space needed to accommodate entrepreneurs and businesses. Henry Brothers has recently handed over a new £23 million engineering facility at the Clifton Campus to NTU, and earlier this year started work on a new Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), which is also being built at the Clifton Campus. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “As a company, Henry Brothers is proud to support Nottingham Trent University – the Guardian University of the Year 2019 – as it continues to invest in, and develop and create, first class learning and supporting accommodation and facilities. “This is our third construction project for the University, and we are delighted to have now broken ground at the site and started work on Nottingham Trent University’s latest development at its City Campus. The Enterprise Innovation Centre will have a positive impact not just at the university, but also on the wider economy of Nottingham and the East Midlands and it’s great to play a part in creating such a facility.” Nottingham Trent University Vice-Chancellor Edward Peck was joined by a number of guests at the ground-breaking ceremony, including Anna Vinsen from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and internal colleagues in Executive Dean of Enterprise, Mike Carr, and the recently appointed Head of Enterprise Innovation Centre, Megan Powell Vreeswijk. Launching the project Mike Carr said: “What the Enterprise and Innovation Centre gives us is the focal point for our work with enterprising start-ups and established businesses as well as being somewhere a community of entrepreneurial people can come together to exchange knowledge and ideas.” Megan added: “We have developed the centre based on the three Cs of Community, Connectivity and Collaboration. It allows us to bring together a community of entrepreneurs from across Nottingham and the wider region who can learn from each other and development their businesses. In doing so, we aim to further stimulate the local economy in our area.” Henry Brothers is working on the Enterprise Innovation Centre with architect Evans Vettori, engineers Mott MacDonald, Edge as project manager, Robinson Low Francis as quantity surveyor, with Couch Perry Wilkes handling the M&E elements. The centre is planned to open in late 2020 and will become the new home for the Hive, which is currently based in the University’s Maudslay building. The Hive offers mentoring, support, training and networking opportunities for students, graduates, staff and other entrepreneurs launching a business or social enterprise. It has been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Sustainable Urban Development Scheme (SUDS), coordinated by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government with the support of the D2N2 LEP and Nottingham City Council.

Leicestershire’s new £1 billion community at New Lubbesthorpe is beginning to shape with the area’s first primary school. A £7 million primary school has been completed on Tay Road, ahead of its official opening on 02 September when it will welcome 420 pupils.  This will be the first of three schools delivered under the new community project, which will ultimately comprise up to 5,000 new homes, further primary schools and a secondary school, community facilities and an employment park adjacent to the M1/M69. Located to the west of Leicester, the site will also provide 325 acres of new parklands for local residents to enjoy.  The Drummond Estate is leading the project, with Clegg Construction appointed to deliver the new school along with GSS Architecture. Peter Merry, CEO from the OWLS Academy Trust, who will run the new school, said: “The quality of provision for the children, their families and staff is excellent and we look forward to the fantastic opportunities that are afforded by such a wonderful new school. We now have beautiful, spacious and light classrooms, additional exciting learning spaces, food technology room, creative arts room, library, soft play, kitchen, garden area and outdoor spaces. “Throughout the process of designing and building the school, it has been a pleasure to work in partnership with the Drummond Trustees and family, Leicestershire County Council and Blaby District Council, GSS architects, Cleggs construction and others to ensure that the project has been led by the needs of the children in the school and they have the high quality school they deserve. “We look forward also to getting to know our local community in New Lubbesthorpe and hope they will be regular visitors at events in our school; we hope they will also become familiar with our children whose enhanced learning opportunities will take them out into the local neighbourhood. “We will be celebrating and looking forward to beginning the exciting process of making memories in New Lubbesthorpe Primary School. We are most grateful to the Drummond family for such an opportunity.”

Willmott Dixon is to continue delivering significant projects across Oxfordshire with its appointment to the University of Oxford’s £1.5bn framework, contributing to the university’s ambitious estate plans. Willmott Dixon has delivered significant projects across Oxfordshire including the RAL Space facility at the Harwell Science Campus and numerous residential projects for Oxford City Council. Now, through the framework, the contractor will be delivering projects for the university with a value between £5m to £20m alongside other contractors. Projects on the framework will include a mixture of new developments and the refurbishment of some of the university’s existing 237 buildings. A quarter of these are listed assets, with a third built before 1840. Director at Willmott Dixon, David McCallion, who will be leading projects on the framework, said: “We have a number of offices nationally and are proud to be based in Oxford as the local area is steeped in a rich history and continues to be at the heart of state-of-the-art research. We are currently working with Oxford Children’s Hospital to relocate and expand Ronald McDonald House and expect to complete this project next year. “This appointment marks a significant milestone for us and we are delighted to be building a strong relationship with University of Oxford. My team and I are looking forward to delivering high quality, future-proof facilities for the university.” Community engagement plays a large role in all of Willmott Dixon’s projects, which has recently being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Promoting Opportunity. As part of the framework the company is committed to 10% social return on investment as measured against total contract value, meaning it is able to make a tangible impact on the lives of local people. Similarly, Willmott Dixon worked closely with Oxford UTC last year as part of its Enrichment Programme, which is designed to develop student’s personal and professional skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving and leadership. As part of Willmott Dixon’s involvement on the framework, it hopes to widen participation in Oxfordshire.

Contracts worth over £200 million have been handed out as the University of Leicester prepares to move forward with a major construction project. ENGIE and special purpose vehicle, Freemans Common Village LLP, will deliver the contracts which will see 1,164 new student homes built across seven blocks as well as the construction of a new multi-storey car park and Teaching & Learning Centre.  The leading energy and services firm will oversee the projects before committing to a 50-year hard facilities management contract to provide technical services, estates management and external cleaning for the new residences, as well as enabling high speed Wi-Fi and IT services to ensure the best experience for occupants. The company will also deliver lifecycle management to the residences, which incorporates infrastructure replacement right through to internal components. Planned for the Freemans Commons site, the project will incorporate a number of renewable and energy-saving technologies including solar panels, highly efficient centralised gas fired Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and LED lighting will be installed. Martin Smithurst, Divisional Chief Operating Officer for ENGIE’s Places & Communities Division (North), said: “This is a prime project for ENGIE, as it’s one of the few occasions where we get to showcase our broad capabilities in placemaking. These contracts not only allow us to demonstrate our expertise across energy, services and regeneration; but provides us with the opportunity to apply our long-term investment model, by taking an equity stake in the scheme. This assures our partners and students of our long-term commitment to Leicester and its university. “We have delivered several similar higher education projects across the country and we’re delighted to be working with the University of Leicester, as well as Equitix, on such a remarkable scheme that will create a lasting legacy in Leicester.” Jake Fellows, Major Projects Director and project lead at ENGIE, added: “Working collaboratively with the University, Equitix and the wider stakeholder group, including funders and the City Council, we have been able to effectively design and mobilise this extremely exciting project. This development will deliver a significant regeneration of the Freemens Common site, providing market-leading accommodation for the University to support their recruitment strategy, as well as demonstrating the capability and experience of our team and supply chain to respond to complex projects of this nature.” Construction work will commence in September, with completion expected in three years. 

Gone are the days when students would merely seek out a roof over their heads when deciding where to settle at a student accommodation during their studies. Today, students are looking for living space with shared facilities, flexibility, and comfort, new findings from the Class of 2020 think-tank reveals. Known as ‘Branded Living’, it would appear to be the future for student accommodation and offers much more than just a bed to sleep in. Students can now enjoy the use of shared facilities such as communal areas, bars and restaurants, gyms and outdoor or rooftop spaces.   On top of the obvious perks, ‘branded living’ is also a socially beneficial experience, as it creates opportunities for students to share ideas, study and retreat, in turn reducing loneliness and developing a sense of community. “Branded living incorporates the growing desire of a younger generation wishing to maintain an urban lifestyle with co-living platforms that offer an attractive alternative to otherwise outdated housing options” says Ryan Manton, Programme Director of the Class of 2020. In fact, within the hotel sector in the Netherlands, revenues from additional services regularly account for up to 50% of total revenues, according to ‘Savills, spotlight research’. We are now seeing this in the market for micro-homes aimed at students and Young Professionals too, with investors showing an increasing interest in the market for micro-housing and the branded living concept. This is also a global phenomenon, with over 400 brands now known to offer ‘branded living’ in the housing sector. This not only creates opportunities for students to live in shared, flexible, and comfortable facilities, but these investments also help to fund and develop much-needed housing options for both students and young professionals in cities with housing shortages. The introduction of the evolution of student accommodation is transforming urban living for students and young professionals during studies and beyond. The future of urbanised living is exciting, and something that requires continued focus and research.

Work is moving forward with a £2 million extension contract at Penistone Grammar School in Barnsley. Following the completion of phase one, which saw internal re-modelling completed at the institution to support 50 additional students, a contract has been awarded for the extension building.  “The investment the council has made in this project meets our Town Spirit ethos – Achieve it, and reinforces our commitment to provide the right quantity and the very best quality of school places to help every child achieve their potential. The additional places at Penistone Grammar will be a huge benefit to the borough and will add much-needed resource to a well-performing school,” said councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture. Triton Construction has signed on to deliver the building, which will include six new classrooms, two science labs, toilets, staff work spaces and new IT offices. It will be linked to the main school via a walkway.  This project forms part of the long-term plan to facilitate an additional intake of 50 new students per year, over five years. “We are pleased to be working with the team at Triton to deliver a fantastic new, state of the art facility for our students and staff. This represents a very exciting time for the school. The school is really going from strength to strength,” Paul Crook, Principal at Penistone Grammar added. “Triton have worked closely with the school to ensure there is minimal disruption to our students learning. In fact, the project will add value to the learning experiences of our young people, specifically those studying technology-based subjects who will engage with Triton for a first-hand experience.” AA Projects will work alongside Triton as Project Manager, Principal Designer and Quantity Surveyor on the project.  The Penistone Grammar School extension is expected to be completed in spring 2020. 

HLM Architects, a leading design and architecture company with studios in Glasgow, attended the celebrations held to mark the topping out ceremony for the James McCune Smith Learning Hub at the University of Glasgow. Attended by students, University representatives and the design and construction teams, the ceremony marked the significant milestone for the £90.6 million project, located on University Avenue. It is the first project which will be completed within the University of Glasgow’s £1 billion Campus Development programme.  HLM Architects were selected to create a stand-out design for the flagship 16640m2 development, providing over 2,500 students with state-of-the-art learning and teaching facilities.  HLM worked collaboratively with the University of Glasgow throughout all design stages to ensure that the University’s ambitious vision for the future education of its students is successfully brought to life. The thoughtful design has been inspired and driven by user-group consultation at every level, emphasising the student experience now and as it will develop in the future.  A particular focus has been the incorporation of technology and innovation, including a 500-seat lecture theatre, technology-enhanced seminar rooms of various sizes and multi-purpose advanced learning spaces; combining flexible and social areas with reflective study environments.  The location for the Hub, in the heart of the estate, overcomes the development constraints of the historic Gilmorehill campus, and is a clear statement of intent from the University to its staff and student community. The site will be pivotal in the connectivity across the expanding campus and creates a ‘gateway’ building, providing a sense of arrival for visitors to the University. The new building is named after abolitionist and medic James McCune Smith – the first African American to be awarded a medical degree, receiving an MD from the University of Glasgow in 1837. Patrick Clark, Project Lead Consultant at HLM Architects said, “It has been a privilege to lead the design process on the James McCune Smith Learning Hub at the University of Glasgow. We listened to the ambitions of the University and were truly inspired by the user-group consultations; the research we gathered on the student experience was critical to our meaningful design approach. Our aim has been to develop a environment that is open, enjoyable and accessible for all, striving towards a world-leading educational facility for a world-changing University.”  The University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, said, “It’s tremendously exciting to see the progress being made on the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, and I would like to congratulate all our construction partners, on their work to this point.  Once complete, this will be a fantastic new facility, enhancing our world-class learning and teaching credentials, and helping to inspire future generations of students and staff at the University of Glasgow.”

School and community leaders have come together to mark the official start of building works for the new purpose-built special education needs facilities at Highfield Ely Academy with a groundbreaking ceremony. The special school, which is part of The Active Learning Trust, is the first school in the county to provide specialist and dedicated support and facilities for SEN students aged 2 to 25. A dedicated wing for younger children in Early Years and Key Stage 1 will be created, and the former Early Years area will be refurbished to provide improved facilities for staff. This will bring the campus in line with the required standards. A new block will house a new hydrotherapy pool, sports hall and fitness suite, as well as independent teaching and social areas to meet the needs of young adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. A new provision for Cambridgeshire, LINC 19-25 (Learning, Independence, Needs and Care), will offer accredited courses and specialist therapy services to meet the personal, daily and medical needs of up to ten young people from September 2020. Cambridgeshire County Council’s education capital team are leading the £6.7million build project on behalf of the school. Enabling works have already begun with R G Carter officially starting on 1st July, led by designs from Atkins. The facilities are expected to be completed during the summer term 2020, ready for the academy to start using by September 2020. Simon Bainbridge, Executive Headteacher at Highfield Ely Academy said: “Today is a monumental moment for us and we are thrilled that work has begun on our new facilities. It will provide our students with a fantastic array of new experiences to help support and stimulate them as well as build their independence. We look forward to watching the building progress, and to sharing the results with everyone.” Simon Bywater, Chairman of the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People Committee said: “It is great to see work starting at Highfield School. The facilities for young adults aged 18-25 is a first for Cambridgeshire and enables support and care to be provided in a dedicated space designed for young adults with profound and multiple learning difficulties. The extension will also provide new classrooms for younger children, as well as brand new sports and therapy facilities for all the children and young adults at the school to enjoy.” Paul Hutchinson, Framework Director for R G Carter who are undertaking the building work added: “R G Carter is delighted to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Cambridgeshire County Council and The Active Learning Trust on this much-needed development. “Our focus is on delivering this unique project and providing a quality teaching facility that will serve the local community for many years to come.” Mr Bainbridge was joined by representatives from Cambridgeshire County Council and constructors RG Carter to mark the occasion. The guests included: Simon Bywater, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People Committee Councillor Lis Every, Cambridgeshire County Councillor for Ely North Paul Hutchinson, Framework Director for R G Carter Ben Garside, Client Manager for R G Carter Will Robinson, Project Manager for R G Carter

A new community sixth form campus is due to arrive in Leivester city centre, as a site is being redeveloped. The project will see former call centre facilities for telecoms giant BT in New Albion House on Dunkirk Street and the adjacent Wellesley House on Wellington Street transformed into two new buildings.  Delivering the work is ISG, which will redevelop the building so that it houses 33 classrooms, 11 laboratories and a learning resource centre, as well as ICT suites, social areas, and private study spaces.  ISG will install new, high-performance mechanical and electrical services and comprehensively reconfigure the layout within the buildings to create a contemporary and inspiring learning environment that is set to open its door to students in September 2020. The work is being completed thought the firm’s latest framework project with the Department for Education (DfE) and Lionheart Academies Trust. “Delivering an entirely new sixth form college in the heart of Leicester city centre is a project that will derive a long-term legacy for the local community and wider city region. It’s clear to see the positive social value generated by projects of this nature, and this brings a real passion and singularity of purpose from our extended team to deliver an outstanding result for the Trust,” said Wayne Flannery, ISG’s regional director for the Midlands. “The DfE framework procurement route has enabled all project stakeholders to come together and collaborate at an early stage, identifying key challenges and developing smart solutions to drive efficiencies throughout the programme. By working closely with the Trust, we have all been inspired by its vision for a new standard in post-16 teaching facilities and there is great anticipation as we move forward with the meticulous planning stages ahead of our start on site later this year,” Wayne added. The new Beauchamp City Sixth Form campus is designed by Associated Architects, and will focus on the study of STEM subjects.  Work will begin on the project in November 2019 with a full internal strip out of both existing buildings.

A key milestone has been reached by Vinci on the construction of the new King’s School in Macclesfield, which was celebrated at an event to mark completion of steelwork erection. “I am very pleased that it blends into the surrounding landscape nicely and it will be a fantastic addition to Macclesfield’s facilities,” said Councillor Adam Schofield, Mayor of Macclesfield. On track for completion in May 2020, the project, which comprises 1350 tonnes of steel, is currently halfway through construction. The project will boast an impressive six lane, 25-metre swimming pool, central library, café, art studios, rugby pitches, all-weather hockey pitches and a 400-metre athletics track. Head Master, Dr Simon Hyde attended the ceremony along with Councillor Adam Schofield, Mayor of Macclesfield, The County’s Lord Lieutenant David Briggs and some of the current pupils were also witness to the special occasion. “We are delighted with progress and we will be proudly handing over what is going to be a magnificent site, on time. It is a really exciting project for us to work on and it has been a pleasure today to welcome a group of pupils, parents and Governors to show them the progress on their new school,” said VINCI Construction UK’s Project Manager Martin Horton. “The completion of the steel frame is a major milestone and we will now bring in a range of different trades to complete the concrete flooring, underfloor heating, brickwork, blockwork and drainage, before we start the landscaping,” he added.