New £30million science teaching & research centre completed in Lincoln

The Isaac Newton Building – an historic addition to the University of Lincoln – has been completed, transforming the university’s science offering.

The building was delivered by Pick Everard – the independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy – Maber Architects, BAM Construction and Yonder, and has marked a significant milestone in the university’s STEM investment.

“This project was completed in two phases and has created a new home for the university’s schools of computer science, engineering and maths and physics – transforming the site and creating a modern, state-of-the-art centre for generations of students to benefit from,” said Shirley Ashford, associate at Pick Everard.

The second phase features new engineering, testing and research facilities including EMC (Electromagnetic Capability) rooms and semi anechoic chambers as well as laser labs, virtual reality spaces for computer sciences, robotic teaching spaces, and a 500 seat lecture theatre.

“We delivered quantity surveying services to complete the 8,000m² building – which sits as a major extension to the existing Engineering Hub at the Brayford Pool campus in Lincoln city centre. The Engineering Hub also required remodelling to allow for this addition, whilst remaining fully operational which was successfully managed,” continued Shirley.

Pick Everard’s services were procured under the Scape Project Management and Quantity Surveying framework, which has since been superseded by the Scape Built Environment Consultancy framework.

Pick Everard has worked across a number of higher education projects including project managing the creation of the University of Warwick’s award-winning Oculus teaching and learning building, as well as the new biomedical and life sciences department at the University of Lancaster.

“Our experience in this sector means that we’re able to create first-rate facilities which are delivered on budget and on time. We’ve been involved in this project from the beginning and we’re delighted that the new building has now been handed over, ready for students to begin using it,” added Shirley.

Simon Parkes, deputy vice chancellor (finance and infrastructure) at the University of Lincoln, said: “We’re delighted with the completed Isaac Newton Building and grateful to our contractors for their professionalism and quality of work, which is reflected throughout.

“The building, which represents an investment of almost £30 million, is the first major project to be completed from our current £130 million capital investment programme which will deliver state-of-the-art new academic buildings and facilities for our students, staff and industry partners across our campuses.

“We are sure our students and staff will be impressed with the finished building and very much look forward to hosting the first teaching sessions.”