Work begins on new £12.5m STEM facility at University of Derby

A sod-cutting ceremony took place today at the University of Derby to mark the start of work on a new £12.5m 4,200 square-metre building for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The new centre, which will be based at the University’s Markeaton Street site, is expected to be completed by 2017.

The building will focus on real-world learning, combining functional teaching space with infrastructure designed for the specific needs of engineering and computing.

Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, dug a commemorative silver spade into the ground to mark the start of the work at the event. He said: “This will be an outstanding facility setting the University of Derby apart from other institutions and an environment where students can gain high-quality skills and academic knowledge to further their future careers in STEM subjects.

“Derby is well known as a centre for high-tech industries and engineering, and the University is doing everything it can to ensure there is a steady flow of skilled graduates ready to enter the world of work in those areas.”

Chris Hufford, Project Director for Willmott Dixon – the contractor for the project – added: “We have a great deal of experience in the higher and further education sectors, so we are very pleased to be working on such an important project for the University of Derby that will enhance its already excellent offering for students reading STEM subjects.”

For more information about studying at the University of Derby’s College of Science and Engineering, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/colleges/science-engineering/