A ground-breaking ceremony will be held on Thursday 26 September to mark the start of construction of the innovative University Technical College Cambridge – a specialist science college for 14 to 19 year-olds.
The £10 million College, sponsored by Cambridge Regional College and Cambridge University Health Partners, will open in September 2014 and is already taking applications.
Anne Constantine, principal of Cambridge Regional College and lead sponsor, will join representatives of main contractor BAM Construction* for the event, along with the principal of Long Road Sixth Form College, where the new building is located, and some of the major industry partners in the project.
The UTC Cambridge will specialise in biomedical and environmental sciences and technologies, teaching an innovative learning programme developed in partnership with leading employers such as Wellcome Sanger Trust, Napp Pharmaceuticals, Babraham Institute and the Medical Research Council, who will deliver a series of real-world Challenge Projects.
BAM is delivering a three-storey building for the UTC adjacent to the £175m Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), which was completed by the contractor last year.
The building will include five super labs on the top floor, with three capable of joining together to emulate large-scale research conditions.
Sustainability features will include a combined heat and power plant to provide low-carbon energy; photovoltaic cells; and gravel beds to control rainwater run-off.
Pupils from CRC and Long Road will have the opportunity to learn from the construction project and local suppliers will be used where possible.
Anne Constantine, principal at Cambridge Regional College, said: “Cambridge Regional College is proud to be the lead sponsor of the UTC Cambridge.
"It is one of the most exciting innovations to take place in education, offering specialist science to a generation ready to become part of the global network of biomedical and environmental science and technology professionals.
“It will deliver an education supported at every stage by leading employers and research centres, inspiring students to achieve above and beyond their expectations.”
Christine Sherwin, principal at Long Road Sixth Form College, said: “Long Road Sixth Form College has released land free of charge to enable the UTC to be located adjacent to the bio medical campus in Cambridge as we recognise that this very specialist and different educational experience will be a beneficial addition to the existing range of high quality educational provision in the area.”
BAM construction director Adam Harding said: ‘It is fantastic to be back building science facilities in Cambridge after the completion of the world-class LMB project.
‘BAM looks forward to working hard over the next year to create top quality facilities for pupils and teachers at UTC Cambridge. As always we will ensure our work benefits the wider community and the environment as well.’
BAM’s design arm will carry out structural design as well as specifying furniture, fittings and equipment. It will work closely with architect Hawkins Brown on the scheme.
BAM Plant will work closely with the project team to provide plant equipment and services that will reduce cost, risk and environmental impact.
BAM topped the Environment Agency’s carbon reduction table for all UK companies earlier this year. ENDS
