The construction of the new Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) continues to make great progress.
The project, which is taking place at the former Boldrewood Campus is being developed thanks to a ground-breaking collaboration between The University of Southampton and the Lloyd’s Register Group. Once work is complete on the state-of-the-art MCE development the site will bring significant benefits to the University and the surrounding area, including much needed employment opportunities.
Work is taking place on the project – situated next to Southampton’s main M3 access road – as part of a scheme to redevelop the former Boldrewood campus. The £120 million redevelopment of Boldrewood campus is being implemented in order to transform the site into a research hub that will provide facilities for both the University and the Lloyd’s Register Group.
Once work is complete on the new campus the site will become the home of Lloyd’s Register Global Technology Centre and will employ approximately 400 members of staff. The site is also being viewed as an important cornerstone for the Lloyd’s Register’s global marine research and development network.
Commenting on the redevelopment work, Professor Don Nutbeam, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said:
“With the completion of our new campus, the range of expertise in the marine and maritime sector in Southampton will be unparalleled in the UK and among the best in the world.”
Richard Sadler, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, added:
“Collaboration between industry and academia is vital. We want our new Global Technology Centre to lead the world in helping develop the solutions that will support our work in supporting safer, cleaner, efficient shipping and offshore activity.
“Fundamental understanding of new technology is essential in solving the world’s challenges. Putting our practical, industry experts next to the University’s learning and research facilities will be world leading innovation and I believe will allow us to broaden our relationship into our areas as diverse as the food and IS sectors in the future. In investing in this partnership I believe the UK jobs market, UK technology reputation and UK business will benefit.”
In December 2012 the MCE development reached an important milestone when a topping out ceremony took place. Wates Construction is the main contractor on the project.
Once work is complete on the new MCE, the facility will greatly improve the local built environment by creating a landmark development which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for staff and students and will be more aesthetically pleasing than the building it replaces.
In addition, the work on the MCE will provide more substantial transport links to the city centre as well as providing access for disabled users.
Work on the MCE is being delivered in a number of phases, which began with the demolition of the existing main campus building, lecture theatres and greenhouses. The next phase comprised the creation of a brand new vehicular access to nearby Burgess Road, along with internal site roads and associated works.
The third phase of the MCE’s construction is the erection of approximately 32,000 m² of new buildings which will be used by both the University of Southampton and Lloyd’s Register. The new buildings are smaller, yet are of a better quality than the building they are replacing and have been designed to be more appropriate for modern university. This phase of works also comprises the installation of associated catering and plant equipment.
The remaining two phases on the project include the installation of car parking and storage facilities; and a number of infrastructure works which include landscaping, the installation of external lighting and public art, as well as the completion of associated public highway works.
The work being undertaken by the University of Southampton and Lloyd’s Register on the former Boldrewood campus will be used to stimulate innovation in Southampton, as well as create opportunities within the wider south Hampshire region. The scheme is being seen as a magnet to encourage inward investment in the UK marine sector and is scheduled to reach completion in 2014.
For more information about the MCE and the redevelopment of Boldrewood campus please visit: www.southampton.ac.uk.
