University staff and representatives from the contractor RG Carter were joined by students, the architects MCW, and engineering firm AECOM to mark the start of construction on the University’s new £40m Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics building.

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell marked the occasion by driving a commemorative spade into the ground at the University’s Park Street site.

He said: “This new STEM building is part of the University’s wider vision for high-level skills growth in Luton and Bedfordshire. Our new STEM building will support the ambitions of regional policymakers to enhance the skills base in Bedfordshire, extending opportunity for local residents and attracting investment to the region.”

The STEM building is due to open in Sept 2019 and will allow the University to offer a wide range of new science courses including Pharmacy, Nutrition, Physics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geology and Mechanical Engineering.

The building set out over four-storeys and incorporating 6000m2 of teaching and laboratory space, will include a new Science and Engineering Outreach Centre to promote the value of science and engineering to local schools and the wider Bedfordshire community.

“It is part of an investment of £180m in cutting edge facilities by the University to transform our campuses,” said Mr Rammell. “Over the past five years we have enhanced our learning and teaching facilities for students, creating jobs and growth in Luton, Bedford and its surrounding areas.”

Director and General Manager of R G Carter Cambridge, John Ford said:

“R G Carter is delighted to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with the University on this innovative scheme.

“Our focus is on delivering a successful project and providing a quality teaching facility that will serve the local community for many years to come."

Colin Moses, Director at MCW architects: “The STEM building represents the next step in our involvement with the University’s long-term, campus-wide re-development, reaching back to 2007.

“This flexible building will enable the University to increase its undergraduate community pursuing a wide range of science and technology focused activities in a collaborative and stimulating environment that is specifically designed to facilitate the latest patterns of teaching, learning and research. The new building also provides a platform of outreach and inclusion with a highly visible and accessible ground floor space that can be used for group based learning activities and as a ‘shop window’ for the University.