Work is now completed on the new five-storey Information Teaching Lab (ITL) on Queen Mary University of London’s Mile End Campus - where we are also working to deliver a new School of Business and Management.

A retrofit and extension of the former ITL, the completed building now provides a centre of excellence for computer science at one of the UK’s leading research-intense higher education institutes.

Procured via the SCAPE Construction Framework, we began working on site in June 2024, the extent of these works included retaining much of the original 1989 building’s concrete frame, whilst replacing the façade to significantly improve the buildings sustainable focus.

Preventing the need for new foundations, the additional storeys were constructed from a hybrid steel and timber structure, carefully selected for its lightweight, low carbon cost and future adaptability features.

Sustainability was a focus for both Willmott Dixon and Queen Mary, windows were enlarged and replaced with high-performing thermal glazing and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were updated with modern, sustainable solutions, improving energy and water efficiency. A green roof was also installed, increasing the biodiversity by ten percent, a key feature in this central London location.

Professor Colin Bailey CBE, President and Principal of Queen Mary said: “I am delighted to see this new informatics teaching laboratory open to students. The redevelopment of this space, alongside other significant investments in our estate, demonstrate Queen Mary’s commitment to providing students and staff with innovative, inclusive, sustainable environments in which to learn and educate, and exemplify our 2030 Strategy vision of opening the doors of opportunity to anyone with the potential to succeed.”

This investment reflects both the University and Willmott Dixon’s commitment to providing future ready and sustainable buildings, and supports the increased demand in the subject by providing an increased capacity from 260 to 450,

Having recently achieved an A rating for climate as part of the CDP A List, Willmott Dixon extends their strong portfolio in delivering highly sustainable buildings with the completion of this facility.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon’s South region added:

“We are proud to have supported Queen Mary in their bid to deliver infrastructure improvement that supports functionality and sustainability, a value shared by Willmott Dixon. This new laboratory not only provides the University with 150 additional spaces to accommodate the growing demand for the subject, but we also made sure to update aspects during this build that ensured increased energy efficiency and thermal performance of the building.”

Opened to the staff and students at the end of January, the building is now a hub of learning. Working with Purcell architects, this space has been designed for a more dynamic learning and teaching style with new collaboration spaces throughout.

Professor Steve Uhlig, Head of the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science commented: “The Informatics Teaching Laboratory (ITL) has been the heart of computer science at Queen Mary for decades. The ITL has been designed to support new models of teaching and learning, enabling students and academics to co-create educational experiences that respond to rapid technological change and evolving industry needs. I believe that this building will inspire many similar teaching spaces, enabling University learners to own and co-create the future with academics."

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “At SCAPE, we’re committed to working with our partners to achieve low-carbon solutions and measurable outcomes on every project. Therefore, we are proud to have played a role in this unique and transformational development, which placed sustainability at the centre of its design and redevelopment.

“This development combines excellent environmental performance with long-term value, ensuring that the university, staff and students will benefit from this exceptional learning space for many years to come.”

This project extends Willmott Dixon’s pipeline in the educational sector, having recently completed work on Chichester College’s STEM building and successfully reaching the mid-point at Durham Academy, reinforcing their knowledge in the sector.