Swindon’s University Technical College (UTC) has taken a significant step towards becoming a reality following the appointment of the contractor with responsibility for its ground-breaking building.
BAM Construction, which has worked on a number of existing UTC developments, produced a set of impressive initial site designs for UTC Swindon during the tendering process.
The UTC’s preferred location is the historic Mill Site in Bristol Street, close to the railway line
and Railway Village.
It is anticipated that building work will start this autumn Comprehensive designs are now being drawn up for the proposed site, which is subject to lease negotiations, planning permission and Government approval.
As well as being in the heart of the town with easy walking access to the train and bus stations, the Mill Site, as part of the Great Western Rail works, links with Swindon’s world-class engineering and education heritage.
The old school building and the water tower – both Grade-II listed, will be key parts of the site.
The water tower is planned to be restored to its former glory and will be combined with renovation of all the existing buildings on the site.
These will be very carefully blended with new building made with materials and structures designed to be sympathetic to the heritage requirements.
BAM will work closely with English Heritage and the Mechanics’ Institution Trust.
Paul Inman, pro Vice-Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University, one of the partners behind the UTC, said: “We are delighted that BAM Construction has been awarded this prestigious contract and look forward to working with them to help deliver what will be a unique educational enterprise for Swindon.
“BAM’s design work for the UTC buildings is both refreshingly innovative and complementary to the engineering heritage of the former rail works.
“This appointment is the latest significant step as we make good progress on what is a leading-edge educational initiative.”
Swindon-based Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells is also a partner in the UTC. Its engineering manager Simon Peet added: “We are very pleased that BAM Construction has been awarded this contract and excited in reaching another key project milestone.
The next project priority is to finalise the design with BAM Construction and in parallel progress with the planning and English Heritage approval, before the capital funding approval in the summer.
“The BAM design will provide the professional environment for a vocational balance in education and equipped to the highest standards, that will provide the next generation of Engineers fit for the
work place.”
UTCs are a new concept in technical education for students aged 14 to 19 and are focused on first-class teaching which also supports the needs of regional employers. Students will combine practice and theory to integrate academic requirements with key technical and practical elements. Engineering employers who will provide project support and work experience for students.
