Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Oxford Brookes University to deliver two new buildings on its Headington Hill campus, which will provide cutting-edge, sustainable spaces for students, staff, researchers, partners and the wider community.

Procured using the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the new buildings within a Grade II listed estate will house a new teaching block and faculty offices, alongside an engineering building, all designed to transform science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and creative activities on the campus.

Designed by ADP Architecture, the buildings will provide a new home for the Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment at the University’s Headington Campus to deliver their vision of making and thinking through collaboration and collocation. Sustainable, flexible spaces for students, staff and researchers have been created following a collaborative approach to stakeholder consultation with the project team.

A social core at the heart of the three-storey teaching building will facilitate informal learning, encourage engagement and promote well-being. Alongside this, the purpose-built engineering workshop is designed to sit respectfully within the parkland conservation area of Headington Hill.

Jerry Woods, Director of Estates and Campus Services at Oxford Brookes University, said:

"We are pleased Willmott Dixon has commenced work on two inspirational buildings for our Headington Campus. The new state-of-the-art labs, workshops, and teaching and social learning spaces will be transformational for our Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment.

“Together, the new teaching and workshop buildings will help our students, staff and researchers to flourish, boost local collaboration and meet the needs of business. It will also support the move of our remaining activity on the Wheatley Campus and play a key role in the University’s long-term estate vision.”

Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the south, said:

"This state-of-the-art facility will provide Oxford Brookes University with innovative facilities that allow their students and staff to meet the future requirements of industry and entrepreneurism. The sustainability credentials of this building indicate Oxford Brookes’ forward-thinking approach, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey."

SCF5 win

The announcement comes a day after Willmott Dixon was confirmed as one of the contractors that had secured a place on the 5th generation of the SCF Construct framework. The company was included for the £4m+ lots in the South West, the South East and London categories, continuing a relationship that started in 2006 and has led to Willmott Dixon delivering over £1bn of construction work through SCF’s previous four framework generations.

Alex Nelhams, SCF framework manager, said:

“The SCF is delighted to continue supporting Oxford Brookes with their masterplan by managing the procurement of a contractor for the exciting new Headington Hill project. The new spaces will not only serve as a physical space for students and staff to gather and learn but are also a reflection of the university’s commitment to progress and growth.

“We are looking forward to seeing how the project develops and working with all stakeholders to drive positive impact out of the process and leave a highly sustainable new space for the students.”

The facilities will be ready for the 2024/25 academic year and is the latest university project for Willmott Dixon. Recently, the company handed over the award winning Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building and Warwick Arts Centre at the University of Warwick, which followed delivery of the £46.5m School of Engineering, creating a leading research facility for the University of Birmingham.

The company also completed an interior refit of the School of Computer Science and Engineering, Innovation Centre for University of Westminster.