Topping out ceremony for Staffordshire University Science and Technology Centre

A VIP event for partners involved in the University Quarter’s latest flagship development took place on 3 November 2011. The topping out ceremony celebrates significant construction progress which has been made on the Staffordshire University Science and Technology Centre since work started 12 months ago.

Staffordshire University Deputy-Vice Chancellor Paul Richards was given the honour of clipping the last of 2,745 anodised aluminium panels into place on the roof of the four storey building before invited guests enjoyed a laser light and fireworks display.

Management and property consultants, AA Projects, are undertaking the roles of Project Manager and Employer’s Agent on the new scheme. Paul Hughes, Associate at AA Projects, said: “The new Centre will provide cutting edge facilities that will deliver an inspirational environment for students. At AA Projects, we are very proud to be involved in the delivery of the Centre and are extremely excited about the opportunities it presents for science and technology education and research within the region.”

The Centre, which is supported through an £8 million grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), will accommodate all of the University’s science teaching and research as well as a range of other specialist fields, from renewable energy to medical technologies and biomechanics.  It features a host of specialist science and technology laboratories, a cognitive and developmental psychology suite, interview rooms, two lecture theatres which can transform into a single 250 seat facility, a dedicated IT suite, learning resource centre, flexible learning spaces, café, and public exhibition space.

Opening in the autumn of 2012, science students from the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent College will also make use of the new Science and Technology Centre, which aims to encourage progression to higher levels of study.
Paul Richards added: “We are delighted with the progress of the building which represents significant investment by Staffordshire University in science and technology and which will give students and the local community access to the best state-of-the-art learning facilities.”

“Although the building won’t be in full use until next autumn 2012, we plan to take ownership of the Science and Technology Centre in spring and will be running an exciting programme of events and activities that will attract schools, members of the public and businesses into this flagship unique development.”

“We feel that the design compliments the adjoining six form college and together they represent the vision we have for the University Quarter and a brighter more confident future for North Staffordshire.”

Facts and stats about Staffordshire University Science and Technology building
• BREEAM Excellent rated design
• Features a Combined Heat and Power system.
• The building is 10,400 m2
• There are 835 panes of glass and 2745 anodised aluminium panels on the facade of the building
• 650 tonnes of concrete, and 850 tonnes of steel have been used in its construction
• At its peak there are 250 people working on the project on-site with approximately 50 support/managerial staff behind the scenes. More than 40% of the workforce are with local companies
• Specialist scientific equipment will include an Scanning Electron Microscope, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy X-Ray Diffraction