University of Sussex appoints Mace as construction partner for new science facility

Following a competitive tender process, the University of Sussex has selected Mace as the preferred partner to undertake the construction of a new Life Sciences facility at the institution’s Falmer campus near Brighton.  

The University announced last February that the development of a new, state-of-the-art building would be the latest investment in its £500 million programme to modernise and improve its campus.

Mace was successful in its bid through meeting the comprehensive tender criteria and demonstrating its strong credentials for delivering this exciting new facility for the University. The project will be delivered by PREACH, Mace’s public sector and education construction business unit.  

The new facility will also include a Bio-Innovation Centre, which will be a hub for growing bio-medical businesses, strengthening the University’s partnerships with industry and creating more jobs in the region. The Centre has received £5.5 million in funding from the Government’s Growth Fund.

The design for the new building will remain true to the vision of the University’s founding architect, Sir Basil Spence, and will include the distinctive use of glass, concrete and brick with generous provisions of landscaped open space for which the campus is renowned.  It will also meet the highest standards of sustainability and incorporate a number of environmentally friendly features.  A site for the new development has already been identified within the campus and work on construction will commence in 2018.

Simon Neale, the University of Sussex’s Director of Estates and Facilities said: 

“Mace has clearly understood our ambition to develop a beacon of science and innovation excellence that will bring significant economic and social benefit to the South East and UK.  We will work together to create outstanding modern laboratories and high-tech teaching and research spaces that will inspire the scientists of tomorrow and our talented group of world-leading academics.”

Terry Spraggett, Mace’s Business Unit Director for PREACH, said:  

“We’re obviously very pleased that the University of Sussex has selected us to deliver their new Life Sciences facility, which will provide enhanced teaching and research facilities for students and academics.

“We are experienced in delivering world-class research facilities for institutions across the UK, and it’s always a privilege to be given the opportunity to work on projects that have such potential to transform our understanding of biomedical science. 

“We look forward to working closely with the University over the next three years to make these ambitious plans a reality."