Award winning Knowledge Quad to come to The University of Salford

The Knowledge Quad, Morgan Sindall Construction’s multi-purpose learning space, is driven by innovation, people development and social value, and has been honoured with the Value award at the 2020 North West Regional Construction Awards (NWRCA).

Following ongoing success in Liverpool, Morgan Sindall Construction has announced it will be creating a new Knowledge Quad on site at the University of Salford. The construction company are currently building a £65 million Science, Engineering and Environmental Building (SEE Building) and a £13m North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund at the University’s main campus.

Jason Challender, Director of Estates and Facilities at The University of Salford, said: "Creating a campus that is fit for the future is critical for the University and we are delighted to have appointed Morgan Sindall for the construction of these two outstanding buildings that will encompass and facilitate the growth of our core values - industry collaboration, innovation and sustainability.

"We were highly impressed with Morgan Sindall’s existing Knowledge Quad and are really pleased that an initiative like this is now coming to our campus. The facility will not only offer real life-experience and opportunities for our students, it will also provide a vital space for the community as we develop the ongoing Crescent Masterplan. A huge congratulations to Morgan Sindall on winning the Value accolade at the recent North West Regional Construction Awards event and we look forward to working with them on delivering an impactful portfolio of programmes here at the University of Salford."

Barry Roberts, managing director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the North West said: "Since we launched the Knowledge Quad, it’s been truly inspiring to work closely with stakeholders from across the region in order to ensure the next generation of workers are well placed to develop valuable and rewarding careers. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part in a session or given up their time to help us deliver our skills programme, as well as the judges who recognised the excellent work that has taken place.

"The success of the first Knowledge Quad in Liverpool means we’re keen to use the model elsewhere, and so we will be launching a second facility on site at the University of Salford next year. For many years our industry has been battling a skills shortage, and the dreadful impact of the COVID-19 pandemic means it’s more important than ever to create opportunities for young people to thrive that will in turn support the long term future of our industry, in addition to supporting routes into employment in other sectors. We’re already doing just that in Liverpool, and we look forward to helping even more people at the new Knowledge Quad in Salford next year."

The Knowledge Quad will be open to students of the University and the local community and will run a range of programmes that will upskill attendees in trades and other sectors identified as important to the future growth of a region.

The new Knowledge Quad is set to be opened in February 2021.