Speller Metcalfe to build Centre for Advanced Timber Technology in Hereford
New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has appointed leading regional contractor Speller Metcalfe to build their Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT).
Based in Hereford, NMITE is a future new provider of higher education which intends to transform engineering education in Britain. The CATT is to be the first of three buildings which will form NMITE’s Skylon Campus, located in the Hereford Enterprise Zone.
The project has been procured through the Pagabo Medium Works framework and will focus on advanced manufacturing and production techniques, showcasing the practical uses of timber as a sustainable construction material.
The building itself will be constructed of a mix of traditional oak, glulam and cross-laminated timber and has been designed by Hereford-based oak-framed building specialists, Oakwrights.
Speller Metcalfe Technical Director, Adrian Speller, said: “With our headquarters in nearby Malvern and company roots firmly based within Herefordshire, we were very excited when we first heard about the NMITE development and are delighted to now be playing a part in this fantastic new venture.
“It is really important to us to invest in our local communities and economy and we are committed to ensuring the vast majority of labour and supplies for the project will be sourced from within Herefordshire, as well as providing work experience and training opportunities for young people from across the County.
“We have a real passion for the project and clear synergies with NMITE’s collaborative, innovative and inclusive approach – we are really looking forward to working together to develop what is set to become a much-needed centre of excellence for training specialist engineers within the construction industry.”
Stuart Brisbane Head of Estates at NMITE, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Speller Metcalfe to this hugely important development for us. We received an extremely high calibre of submissions but throughout the tight procurement process it was Speller Metcalfe who demonstrated not only a passion for the Hereford area and a commitment to local spending but a real understanding of NMITE. This included offering some exciting and imaginative ways to use this building project to offer hands on learning opportunities including co-production workshops and online learning tools for our future learners.”
Jonathan Parker National Framework Manager at Pagabo, added: “This is Speller Metcalfe’s second appointment through our Medium Works framework, so we’re pleased to be continuing to build on our great working relationship with them. The scheme itself is set to have a huge economic impact for the area and create a number of jobs at a critical time. This is great news for Hereford and the appointment of a local contractor to deliver the build highlights one of the key benefits this framework continues to offer the public sector for all their mid-sized construction works.”
Speller Metcalfe’s appointment to build CATT comes as they near completion of two of Hereford’s flagship construction projects; the Cyber Quarter: Midlands Centre for Cyber Security, which is also located at Skylon Park, and the City’s new medical centre on Station Road.
Construction of CATT will begin early next year and is scheduled for completion in spring 2022.