Construction Milestone for Flagship University Building

The sun shone for the team at the ‘topping out ceremony’ of Hartpury University’s Learning Hub, which took place on Friday 7^th July.  Staff and governors from Hartpury University were joined by Mark Harper MP, representatives from the Forest of Dean District Council and the construction teams.

Our Vitruvius Management Services team have led this project, for client Hartpury, with the design executed by Roberts Limbrick architects and the building under construction by main contractor Halsall Construction.

The stunning curved frontage of the £12.75m building has now taken shape, mirroring design and sustainability features of Graze, Flexible Catering Hub, that successfully opened in September 2022.

Following a tour of the site, attendees gathered on the roof and celebrated the construction milestone for flagship University Building. The under-construction learning hub covers around 3048m²  and will be accessible to students 24/7 for 365 days a year. This cleverly designed space joins newbuild with refurbishment maximising existing location  affordably. It will create a future proof building at the centre of an immersive higher education experience for clients Hartpury (rated 6th in the UK for Teaching in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide).

“Today marks an exciting point in our journey as we look ahead to launching our first building designed exclusively for our higher education students. The building will house some of our most important university student services in one place, serving their study and social needs as well as providing valuable access to guidance and support. It’ll also have some key sustainability features to future proof this facility for years to come, including rainwater harvesting and bat boxes.

I’d like to thank our local MP Mark Harper, the Forest of Dean District Council and our construction and project partners for helping to bring this unique building to life.”

Client Rosie Scott-Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Hartpury University

“It’s been fantastic to work with Hartpury through its journey from a college-only institution to the university and college we see today. I’d like to thank all the organisations involved for working in partnership on this project and I look forward to seeing it again when it reaches completion.”

Rt Hon Mark Harper MP Secretary of State for Transport, Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean

“It’s fantastic to see the new University Learning Hub taking shape at Hartpury and I know that it will play an important role for many who are interested in furthering their education in the Forest of Dean.It’s especially pleasing to hear about the sustainability features that are being incorporated into the building and the wider area, with the new car park also providing 32 new electric vehicle charging points for users.

We can’t wait to see the future at Hartpury and our other Levelling Up sites and look forward to residents and visitors enjoying them for many years to come.”

Johnathan Lane, Cabinet Member for Levelling Up at Forest of Dean District Council

“We’re pleased to be able to share this construction milestone with our client Hartpury, architects Roberts Limbrick, Halsall Construction, and the wider team. I look forward to the delivery of this modern facility to future-proof Hartpury’s built environment, supporting the high-quality education establishment to fulfil their strategic vision.”

Mark Price, our Vitruvius Management Services Managing Director– the project lead

This project is part-funded from the Government’s Levelling Up initiative – a successful partnership bid led by Forest of Dean District Council. The building will be instrumental in unlocking both staff and student growth as well helping to attract and retain talent in the locality.

The Hartpury University Learning Hub is expected to reach completion during the 2023/24 academic year.

Pictured:

Chris Faulkner – MD, Halsall Construction, Stuart Emmerson – Director of Business Development at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Andrew Grant – Interim Head of Paid Service at Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Chris McFarling – Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency at Forest of Dean District Council, Mark Price – MD of Vitruvius Management Services, Edward Keene – Chair of Governors for Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Chris Moody OBE – Hartpury University Board Vice-Chair, Bert Salt – Senior Project Manager, Vitruvius Management Services, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP – MP for Forest of Dean District Council and Secretary of State for Transport, Barry Doidge – Site Manager, Halsall Construction, Lynn Forrester-Walker – Chief Operating Officer for Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Keir Lindsay – Roberts Limbrick, Barbara Buck – Hartpury College Board Vice-Chair, David Milner – Contracts Manager, Halsall Construction, Rosie Scott-Ward – Deputy Vice-Chancellor Hartpury University, Graeme Brooks – Head of Property Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Nicola Thorogood – Design Manager, Halsall Construction, Laura Crook – Halsall Construction