A contractor has been appointed for the construction of the University of Derby’s Business School. The contractor for the £35M project, Kier, was appointed by the University of Derby. Northfields Construction on the other hand has also been appointed as the groundworks and concrete frame contractor.
Span 100,000 sq ft, the development will be carried out in the centre of the city of Derby, England. Upon completion, the facility will feature a 233-seat auditorium, a stock market financial trading room, and an extended reality suite.
The state-of-the-art facility is expected to accommodate over 6,000 students by 2030. It will also foster collaboration between local businesses and the broader community.
University of Derby’s Business School Project, the first of the University’s City Masterplan
The University of Derby’s Business School Project is being developed as part of the University’s City Masterplan. The latter aims to enhance the institution’s presence in the city and in addition, improve connectivity across its sites.
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Andrew Bevan, Interim Director of Estates at the University of Derby, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership with Kier. He stated that the development of the University of Derby’s business school will catalyze the regeneration of the city hub site. Furthermore, he emphasised the University’s vision to expand its reputation and influence nationally and internationally.
Dan Doherty, Regional Director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, on the other hand, highlighted the collaborative approach that Kier will adopt. He said that the firm will be working closely with the University, local businesses, and supply chain partners.
The project is expected to generate new job opportunities, apprenticeships, work experience placements, and graduate opportunities. Furthermore, around 85% of the project’s expenditures will benefit suppliers within a 40-mile radius of the development.
