Work starts at Richmond STEM centre

Main contractor Beard Construction has begun work on a state-of-the-art STEM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) at Richmond upon Thames College.

Awarded through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the £10M project will see the construction of a new three-storey building, combining specialist classrooms and training spaces for science, engineering and construction, forensic sciences, computing and robotics. It will also include cutting-edge workshops, laboratories and a laboratory for crime scene science.

Each floor of the steel-framed building will be 1,300m² and will be fitted with an external cladding system to complement the existing college campus. To support biodiversity, the STEM centre will feature a wildflower roof and photovoltaic solar panels.

Beard Construction Director Tom Jenkinson, said: “Despite work taking place during term time, the active site is independent from the rest of the campus. Nonetheless, we have worked closely with the college to minimise disruption and ensure safety, implementing designated walkways and hoardings, as well as utilising traffic marshals and multiple entrances.

“The new STEM centre marks the exciting next step in the transformation of Richmond upon Thames College. Our intention is to combine state-of-the-art facilities and a real focus of future technology to provide many more opportunities for students.”