Artist’s impression of how the Catalyst building will look when complete
Vinci has won a deal to build a £40m centre for digital skills and apprenticeships for Staffordshire University.
The Catalyst building will be at the heart of the university’s Stone-on-Trent campus, acting as a physical and virtual hub, connecting employers, students and apprentices from across the Midlands and beyond.
Mace will act as project and cost managers, while Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios is lead designer and architect. Max Fordham will serve as mechanical and electrical engineers, and Momentum as structural and civil engineers.
Vinci will commence construction works on the site of Staffordshire University’s recently demolished Brindley building in spring 2020. Work halted temporarily last year following the discovery of a protected species of bat in the former Brindley building. Demolition works were able to take place last month after ecologists confirmed the bats had safely vacated the premises.
Due to open in September 2021, the building will be supported by an angular brick frame and will feature a glass frontage at ground level and a distinctive design on the upper storeys.
Michael Roadnight, regional director at Vinci Construction UK, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed on the Catalyst building project, which will provide a fantastic facility for employers and apprentices from the Midlands and beyond.
"Vinci is looking forward to working with Staffordshire University and its team on this exciting flagship project.”
Professor Martin Jones, deputy vice-chancellor at Staffordshire University, added: “We are delighted to announce Vinci Construction UK as the contractor for this exciting project.
"We look forward to working with Vinci and our other development partners to bring Catalyst to life, offering a state-of-the-art hub that will serve our communities and help us to realise our Connected University vision.
“Catalyst will enable Staffordshire University to bring thousands of apprentices to the region, increasing economic prosperity and supporting business growth.
"This cutting-edge facility will also provide people with the opportunity to study flexible degrees, helping us to enhance learning and deliver a first-class student experience.”
