New SEE building opens its doors

The University of Salford’s brand new Science, Engineering and Environment Building (SEE Building) that forms part of the Salford Crescent and University District’s wider masterplan, is now up and running.

The four-storey, 15,550 square metre SEE Building welcomed students and researchers for the new academic year for the first time this week. The facility serves as an exemplar 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.

Dean of the SEE School, Professor Joe Sweeney, said: “The completion and opening of this state-of-the-art building is an exciting prelude to the further development of our teaching, research and external engagement in the areas of Science, Engineering, and Environment. Our students will learn and be trained in a wonderful physical environment, benefitting from cutting-edge construction techniques and technologies, and our staff will be able to use the new infrastructure to build on and expand their world-leading research activities. The new SSEE building is a tangible testament to the University’s commitment to providing the very best student experience and bringing benefit to everyone and anyone who has contact with the university. We look forward to welcoming students, staff, collaborators, external partners, and local government, and residents to see this inspiring new Salford landmark.”

Bringing together world-leading research and future facing teaching and learning, the SEE Building will be occupied by a series of research and teaching laboratories including physics, electrical, electronics, composite and chemical vapour deposition..

The £65 million project, procured through the North West Construction Hub framework, also features a wind tunnel, previously located at Salford Innovation Research Centre (SIRC) and boasts high-spec laser laboratories.

The new build incorporates high sustainability credentials, a key element of the University’s pledge to reduce the environmental impact of the wider masterplan. While fully electrically powered, the build is supported by 154 roof mounted photovoltaic panels which provide renewable energy.

The Salford Crescent and University District’s wider masterplan includes opportunities to develop one million square feet of educational floor space, six million square feet of commercial space targeted at industrial growth sectors, two million square feet of public realms in addition to green landscaped routes and cycle ways, and 2,500 new homes and apartments.

The University of Salford and Morgan Sindall Construction have maintained a close working relationship, underpinned by their partnership in 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.

The programme 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 within the surroundings of the specially built Knowledge Quad, a multi-purpose training and learning facility based on site during the build programme.

Shaun Jones, Greater Manchester area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The building itself will unlock potential for future generations, while the construction of it has simultaneously allowed for real economic benefits in the surrounding area.

“Our close relationship with the University has enabled local students to visit our sites and absorb knowledge from our team. Our two organisations have a shared commitment to creating a future-fit workforce, using the tools at our disposal to help the next generation develop lasting and rewarding careers.

“We’re excited to be handing over the new building on schedule, providing a sustainable new home for the University’s engineering, environment and scientific researchers and students. It’s been a privilege to work so closely with the University of Salford and we look forward to furthering our partnership as our work at NERIC continues.”

Jason Challender, Director of Estates and Facilities at The University of Salford, said:  “We are proud to open the new SEE Building for our students and staff. It is an outstanding new-build which is 100% electric-powered and underpinned by sustainable, intelligent design.

“Because the team tailored each level of the building to accommodate different uses, we also have an extremely flexible space that will serve the University for years to come.

“Our partnership with Morgan Sindall has been strengthened by the work they have done with us on the new build. By working closely with the team from the very outset of the project, we could anticipate and address challenges together."