Morgan Sindall Construction confirmed for new University building

Morgan Sindall Construction was announced as the preferred contractor for the SEE Building in 2018 and is working on the scheme alongside project manager Faithful + Gould, architect Sheppard Robson and engineers Arup. 

The SEE Building forms part of the Salford Crescent and University District wider masterplan, which stretches over 240 acres and includes the University’s existing campus and areas around the Crescent, Peel Park and Frederic Road.

The four-storey, 15,550 square metre SEE Building will be occupied by the University’s departments of Robotics, Built Environment, Civil, Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Networking, Human and Natural Science and The Morson Maker Space.

It will serve as an exemplar model of the University’s commitment to its industry collaboration strategy, which is designed to facilitate students, academics and industry partners working together on cutting edge industry facing projects. The environment fostered within the SEE Building will bring together world-leading research and future facing teaching and learning to offer unique opportunities that better prepare students for life after university.

The building will incorporate high sustainability credentials, a key element of the University’s pledge to reduce the environmental impact of the wider masterplan. It will be fully electric powered, supported by 154 roof mounted photovoltaic panels which will provide renewable energy.

The new building will feature a wind tunnel, previously located at Salford Innovation Research Centre (SIRC) and will also boast high-spec laser laboratories. 

The wider masterplan incorporates opportunities to develop one million square feet of educational floor space, six million square feet of commercial space targeted at industrial growth sectors and two million square feet of public realms in addition to green landscaped routes and cycleways and 2,500 new homes and apartments.

The close working relationship between the University and Morgan Sindall Construction has existed for a number of years and is underpinned by their partnership since 2018 on a programme focused on enhancing the employability credentials of undergraduates, which looks to combine the latest academic understanding of industry trends and developments with real world experience and learning.

This has been delivered through regular site visits, workshops and providing expert advice on project proposals for design, planning, costing and development to multi-disciplinary student teams. 

Jason Challender, Director of Estates and Facilities, The University of Salford, said: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall Construction on this exciting new building that will further develop and enhance our growing University campus. The relationship between our two organisations goes beyond the construction of a new building, encompassing a wide range of opportunities such as work placements, apprenticeships and access to contemporary knowledge and skills to benefit students.

“Providing exceptional student experiences is at the heart of our University-wide Industry Collaboration Strategy and we look forward to working with Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver this.”

Shaun Jones, Manchester area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “It’s been a real privilege to work so closely with the University of Salford and the wider project team over the past few years, and we’re really excited that work on the SEE Building will begin in the coming weeks."

He added: “Our affiliation with the University over recent years has seen many students visit our sites, and members of our team have shared their knowledge and experience through guest lectures. We both share a commitment to creating a future-fit workforce and using the tools at our disposal to help the next generation develop lasting and rewarding careers. We look forward to using our role on this landmark project to further nurture our relationship and develop schemes and initiatives that support the wider Salford community."