Landmark five storey University of Hertfordshire development gets the green light
The University of Hertfordshire is delighted to announce that construction will begin on a new multi-million pound, highly-sustainable development on the College Lane Campus in Hatfield.
Set to be the largest single building at the University, the new development will provide a state-of-the art, five storey home for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS) when it is completed in 2024.
Extending beyond 15,000m2, the multi-purpose building will provide sector-leading facilities for staff, students and business including large Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) spaces, workshops and laboratories as well as flexible teaching and learning environments. The finished development will allow for greater collaboration and innovation and help drive the institution’s renowned research and commercial capabilities further.
The University of Hertfordshire has contracted Morgan Sindall Construction and project management company Faithful and Gould to deliver the striking, steel framed building, which will be grouped across four separate internal houses divided by a central atrium. Modern methods of construction and off-site manufacturing will be utilised to deliver high-quality sustainable solutions as the building aims for a BREEAM* ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating as part of the University’s Climate Vision goals. This will include delivering on water reduction, biodiversity, carbon management and air quality commitments.
Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire said: “The new SPECs building is a key development for the University and this significant investment highlights our commitment towards providing world-class teaching, learning and research facilities for our community and partners. The University is also committed to becoming a zero carbon institution and it is important that this new development has been tasked with delivering innovative sustainable solutions to help tackle climate change as a priority.
I am really excited by the building’s potential to create stronger and more supportive academic communities and modern, sustainable working environments that mirror our students’ future workplaces.”
David Rowsell, Northern Home Counties area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The University of Hertfordshire is a longstanding client and we’re extremely pleased to have been appointed as preferred bidder to deliver this landmark development which will provide world class teaching facilities and attract leading academics and research talent.
“The development will have a hugely positive impact on the wider community in Hertfordshire, delivering real social value through the creation of high-quality jobs within our local supply chains, and opening up opportunities for training and development for the next generation of construction professionals in the region.”