Activating spaces for innovation, community and growth
THE ASPIRATION
Transforming a city campus for the future
Aston University set out an ambitious capital programme to modernise its city-centre estate and embody its ‘urban university’ identity. The vision aimed to rationalise space, improve connectivity and create a distinctive, student-focused campus environment. With a range of developments planned – from new education hubs to state-of-the-art labs and major refurbishments – the university wanted to unlock value across the estate while strengthening its civic presence and aligning with the city’s future HS2 connectivity.
OUR RESPONSE
Multidisciplinary delivery in action
We have supported the university’s transformation through a series of complex, high-value schemes.
We led Project Management and M&E Design services on the Pharmaceutical Labs, delivering state-of-the-art clean rooms, HVAC systems and high-spec teaching environments with operational efficiency in mind.
We coordinated the £2 million Cyber Factory project for the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology, a high-tech training hub simulating real-world Industry 4.0 environments to equip students with advanced digital manufacturing and cybersecurity skills. Our team managed design, procurement and contractor performance through supply chain delays and stakeholder complexity, ensuring high-quality delivery within budget.
We also project-managed the £55 million, 10-storey Business School through RIBA Stages 2 and 3, achieving planning approval during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. By setting a clear delivery structure and engaging stakeholders early, we laid the foundation for a landmark academic building.
We have also led the redevelopment of John Cadbury House to provide a new home for the Aston University Executive teams.
Currently, our teams are leading the transformation of the university’s Main Building – home to 75% of Aston’s teaching space – including the demolition of the South Wing, a new accessible entrance, Great Hall refurbishment and a revitalised landscape strategy to better connect the campus to the city.
In parallel, we are supporting the implementation of a new Energy Centre to drive forward the university’s sustainability and net zero ambitions, and are project managing the full transformation of 10 Woodcock Street into the future home of Aston Business School.
THE RESULT
Shaping a smarter, more strategic estate
Completed projects have enhanced Aston’s academic offering and energy performance. Others – like the Main Building redevelopment – are actively redefining the student experience and unlocking space efficiency across the estate.
THE LASTING IMPACT
Future-proofing a civic campus
From state-of-the-art labs to campus-wide enhancements, we are supporting Aston University to activate its campus, creating a safe, welcoming and connected environment that feels like a city within a city. Our integrated approach is shaping a future-proof estate that responds to student needs, supports academic growth and strengthens community links.
Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach.
