Kier has begun work on a new £123m teaching and learning building for the University of Southampton.
The construction of the North East Quadrant (NEQ) will transform the University’s Highfield Campus, adding state-of-the art facilities designed to elevate the student experience by integrating academic and social spaces.
Constructed over five floors, the 15,000 sqm building will include a range of lecture theatres, event teaching spaces, seminar rooms and areas for independent study, providing the University with the high-quality academic environment to help students have a learning environment in which they can thrive.
Social and wellbeing facilities are also an important part of the project, with a café, changing facilities, nursing room and a variety of indoor and outdoor social spaces designed to create an inclusive, bustling hub of activity in the Quadrant.
Located at the edge of campus, the building has been designed to form part of a striking new entrance to the University. With an impressive façade and double storey windows, the architecture is reminiscent of local landmarks such as the historic Southampton Civic Centre - ensuring that the building adds to the distinctive character of the local area, as well as to the University.
Kier hosted host the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, along with faculty members, the estates team and representatives of the Students’ Union to celebrate the groundbreaking of this project.
Cheryl Ward, managing director of Kier Construction Southern said: "We are delighted to get started on our works for the University of Southampton. This marks an important milestone for this project, which will deliver new educational facilities and learning spaces for students studying at the University. Our team has worked closely with the University to bring their vision of a sustainable, state-of-the-art building to life and positively impact the day-to-day lives of those who work and study there.
“With a dedicated team based less than five miles from the University, we are proud to support this project with the very best of our local talent and expertise."
The project has been designed to deliver the University’s most sustainable building to date, in line with their Sustainability Strategic Plan, and with an aim to meet BREEAM Excellent standards.
The build will take a fabric-first approach to reduce the operational carbon when construction is completed. The use of passive, energy saving materials throughout will reduce the operational energy demand by 40%, meaning cost and carbon savings throughout the building’s lifecycle. It also prioritises the comfort of students and staff, with maximal natural ventilation giving the completed building a light, airy feel – creating an ideal environment for learning.
Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: "This space will be a hub of creativity, collaboration and academic excellence, ensuring that the University of Southampton continues to be a sector leader in education."
