Morgan Sindall Construction has celebrated the handover of the £35 million Global Health Building, completing the delivery of a transformational new centre for global health research.
Procured through the University of Oxford Framework, the state-of-the-art 4,700 sq. m facility in Headington was delivered following a successful construction programme and handed over to the University this month.
The building will create a new hub for research, teaching and international collaboration, building on decades of global health partnership and discovery. It will accommodate the Nuffield Department of Medicine’s Centre for Global Health Research, staff and students from Oxford Population Health, and members of the Oxford Global Health team.
Designed to bring together researchers and partners across disciplines and continents, the building will support efforts to address major global health challenges and strengthen the two-way exchange of knowledge between Oxford and global health research programmes.
The three-storey building, which also includes a basement, will accommodate approximately 400 people. The internal fit-out and installation of advanced building services were completed in line with the programme, with the facility handed over following a comprehensive commissioning and snagging process.
The project has also delivered significant social value for the local community. During construction, Morgan Sindall supported 27 apprentices and created 39 jobs, demonstrating its commitment to investing in communities and developing the next generation of construction professionals.
Constructed to rigorous Passivhaus standards, the Global Health Building delivers exceptional environmental performance and energy efficiency. Morgan Sindall used a range of intelligent solutions to meet the demanding specification, including sustainably sourced materials, low-carbon technologies and modern construction techniques.
Key features include modern office and research spaces that encourage collaboration; advanced ventilation and insulation systems designed to meet Passivhaus standards; sustainable materials and low-carbon construction methods; and flexible workspaces for interdisciplinary research teams.
By bringing Oxford’s global health activities together, the building will provide a modern, flexible environment that encourages collaboration, providing a focal point for engagement across geographical boundaries.
James York, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Thames Valley, said: “Completing the handover of this remarkable project is a proud moment for the whole team. From the very start, we have been committed to delivering a facility that not only meets the University’s exacting research requirements, but also sets a benchmark for sustainable construction.
“Targeting Passivhaus certification on a building of this complexity is a significant achievement, and a testament to the skill and dedication of everyone involved. We look forward to seeing the building become home to world-class global health research for many years to come.”
Iain Critchlow, Interim Director of Estates at the University of Oxford, said: “The Global Health Building is a fantastic addition to Oxford's estate, providing a high-quality and flexible environment that will support world-leading research and international collaboration for years to come. Morgan Sindall's collaborative approach throughout the project, working closely with the University, consultants and end users, helped deliver an outstanding building that reflects our shared commitment to quality, sustainability and long-term value. We thank everyone involved for their professionalism, partnership and dedication."
