Morgan Sindall to deliver new university development

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as preferred bidder to deliver the University of Hertfordshire’s new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.

The five-storey steel framed building will be located across a 165,000 sq ft site and will be grouped across four separate internal houses divided by a central atrium.

The design will aim for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and the developer will use its own carbon calculator to assess and measure project-embodied and operational carbon.

Enabling works at the site on the College Lane Campus in South Hatfield were completed in October 2021, with the main works beginning in November 2021.

David Rowsell, Nothern 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.

‘Morgan Sindall Construction has successfully completed 10 projects for the University of Hertfordshire since 2005. The SPECS building will be one of the most prestigious schemes delivered in the Northern Home Counties over the next few years and we are delighted to have been selected by the client to deliver it.

‘As an established Hertfordshire firm, we lead on many local strategic initiatives and support the area and its residents as part of our business model. 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.

‘We’ve got a great team lined up to work on this development and we are looking forward to working closely with the university and our outstanding design partners ADP Architects and AECOM as we finalise the design and move into the initial stages of construction on this important project later this year.’

Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, added: ‘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.’

In related news, following the purchase of a 4.8 acre city centre site by Packaged Living and Fiera Real Estate earlier this year, Southampton City Council has approved the commercial and financial terms for the new Maritime Gateway scheme.

Photo supplied by Morgan Sindall