University of Derby celebrate completion of STEM building

The new University of Derby building - procured through public sector owned built environment specialist SCAPE National Major Works framework - focuses on real-world learning, combining functional space with infrastructure designed for the specific needs of engineering and computing studies.

Mark Robinson, SCAPE’s Chief Executive, said:

“It is fantastic to see the university’s investment in specialist facilities for STEM students, something which is vital in tackling the country’s skills shortage in these crucial areas for the economy. STEM students deserve the very best buildings to encourage and inspire them, and this facility has certainly lived up to those aspirations. By procuring the building through the National Major Works framework, the project has also benefited the local community through local spend and by providing local employment and training opportunities.”

The STEM building has created a 30 per cent increase in size to the university’s existing site at Markeaton Street, creating much-needed space on the campus.

Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, said:

“We are thrilled that the work on our STEM facility by Willmott Dixon is complete. It is an outstanding centre, setting the University of Derby apart from other institutions, and an environment which will allow our students to gain first-class academic knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and also to carry out research work using state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories. We look forward to being able to use the building and sharing the facility with current and prospective students.”

The STEM building has been designed specifically for the students’ studies and includes accessible roof space, providing new opportunities for sustainable energy teaching. This element will also monitor the energy use of the building, which will be captured to support the teaching of control systems.

The new building will officially be in use next year, following an opening ceremony.