Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opens University of Hertfordshire’s £100m Spectra Building

Spectra is the new state-of-the-art home of the University’s School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. Standing five storeys tall, it is now the largest structure on the University’s College Lane campus and houses some of Hertfordshire’s most advanced scientific facilities and pioneering research projects – designed to transform learning, teaching, and innovation for generations to come.

As part of the Royal Opening, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by University staff, students, and children from the on-campus Day Nursery, alongside distinguished guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss and Herts’ new Chancellor Professor Grace Ononiwu. During an exclusive tour of the landmark building, The Princess Royal met expert academics and saw first-hand how Spectra’s world-class laboratories, collaborative spaces, and industry-grade equipment are enabling students and researchers to tackle global challenges and drive innovation across the region.

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for this historic occasion. Spectra is far more than an architectural landmark – it is a bold statement of purpose: a hub where ideas become solutions, where theory meets practice, and where our students gain the skills and confidence to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

“The Princess Royal’s official opening of Spectra marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the University of Hertfordshire, and has helped us celebrate not just a building, but a vision. To provide education that is bold, collaborative, impactful, and forward-thinking. Spectra reminds us that the future of innovation is something we create together today, tomorrow, and long into the future.”

Designed to inspire innovation and collaboration across scientific disciplines, Spectra is equipped with some of the most advanced technology available. This includes two isolated cyber systems rooms that provide hands-on experience in real-world cyber security; a £2 million suite of wind tunnels for leading-edge aerodynamic testing, and a specialist strong floor supports material strength experiments.

Spectra is also home to robotics labs and a ‘robot football pitch’ for autonomous systems research, flight simulators capable of landing at any airport worldwide; a welding bay and controls testing suite for engineering excellence and two Caterham lightweight sports cars and a Tesla, used to advance autonomous vehicle design.

Professor Daniel McCluskey, Dean of Spectra, said: 

“Spectra has been deliberately designed to provide students with an environment that mirrors the working environments in their future careers. This ensures we deliver on the University’s mission to provide the highest quality, career-focused education that enhances career prospects and ensures our students graduate work-ready and able to make an impact in real-world settings.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss, His Majesty's representative for the county, said:  

“I am delighted that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will open the spectacular SPECTRA Building continuing a long tradition of members of the Royal Family opening significant buildings at the University.

“Having been involved with the planning of the SPECTRA Building from the very start as a member of the Governing Board and the Finance Committee, it is wonderful to see how the building has come to life and has quickly become such an iconic and integral part of the campus and demonstrates how the university is preparing students for the fast changing world. Her Royal Highness’s visit to officially open the building evidences the appreciation modern environment for learning.”