Mace signs Pre-Construction Services Agreement for a new European Centre for Weather Forecasts

Mace, the international construction and consultancy firm, has been appointed as main contractor by the Government Property Agency through the Crown Commercial Service framework (CCS) on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

Mace will lead on the procurement of the design for the ECMWF new headquarters, located adjacent to Reading University’s Department of Meteorology, on the University’s Whiteknights campus. 

Designed to be an industry leading net zero carbon building, the development is targeting a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ rating and will be low carbon during construction and in operation. 

Once complete, the new HQ will house a research institute as well as a 24/7 operational services, producing and disseminating numerical weather prediction to its member states. The new designs feature cross-disciplinary workspaces, a conference centre, council chamber, interactive weather room and central atrium.

The addition of the new headquarters on the campus will create the largest cluster of weather and climate research and operational forecasting facilities in the world, alongside the University's Department of Meteorology, and parts of the UK Met Office, NERC National Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and NERC National Centre for Earth Observation.

Terry Spraggett, Managing Director Public Sector Construction, at Mace said:

“We are delighted to be appointed on such as an ambitious development.

Mace has long standing experience in maximising value across the public sector, placing sustainability at the heart of every project delivery. Together with our supply chain partners we will bring lasting benefits and find innovative ways to push the boundaries of net zero carbon delivery.’’

Clive Anderson, Director of Capital Projects, Government Property Agency, said:

“The GPA is delighted to have submitted the planning application for this new state-of-the-art project.
The GPA has been working in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the ECMWF and the University of Reading to deliver the new Headquarters building. We are pleased to be supported by AtkinsRealis and Mace in developing the submission to deliver a modern, accessible, and highly sustainable building.’’