A ground-breaking ceremony took place yesterday (10 November) to mark the start of work to build a pioneering Advanced Manufacturing Building for the University of Nottingham that will help to shape the future of the UK manufacturing sector.
Midlands-based G F Tomlinson has been awarded the contract to build a state-of-the-art 9,011 sq m training and research facility on a former brownfield site located within the University’s Jubilee Campus.
The new building will be an expansion of the University’s Faculty of Engineering, creating teaching spaces, laboratories, modern workshops and offices for research activities, including nano-scale production, robotics and large-scale aerospace demonstrator components.
Professor Andy Long, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Engineering at the University, said: “The new facility will host several world-leading research groups and accommodate some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies related to automation, precision manufacturing, 3D printing and light weight composite materials.
“It will also house our flagship Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for manufacturing technology. This faculty will allow for diverse engineering and science disciplines to collaborate and contribute to pioneering developments for a range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, marine, energy generation, food and drink, chemical products and pharmaceuticals, helping to underpin the economy at both a regional and national level.
Andrew Sewards, Managing Director for G F Tomlinson said: “This scheme truly demonstrates the University of Nottingham’s position as a beacon in manufacturing research. The completed scheme will be home to world-class research facilities and revolutionary research activity, helping to nurture collaboration and innovation between education and industry.
He continued: “Having successfully delivered a number of schemes previously on the Jubilee Campus, we are excited to be working with the University of Nottingham once again, bringing our expertise in education and large-scale manufacturing buildings, to benefit the university and the city of Nottingham.”
Chris Jagger, Chief Estates and Faculties Officer at the University, said: “We are delighted to once again be working with G F Tomlinson and our selected design and project management partners, to ensure the successful delivery of another ambitious flagship building project, to further enhance our Jubilee Campus.”
The project has been part funded by £5 million from D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and a £1 million contribution from the Wolfson Foundation to provide a state-of-the-art clean room for the investigation of 3D printed pharmaceutical devices.
The project team includes project managers Turner and Townsend, architects Bond Bryan, engineers Arup and cost managers Currie and Brown (previously Sweett).
Jason Scott of Currie and Brown said: “Working on our first project under the University of Nottingham consultant framework, we are delighted to have played such an integral role in providing cost consulting services on the Advanced Manufacturing Building”.
Once completed the new landmark building will have the capacity to house 699 staff, students and researchers, helping to train and provide the next generation of industry professionals.
