Renowned contractor Kier has been selected for an extensive redevelopment project at Greenwich, London South East Colleges.
- The project involves demolishing the existing campus and constructing a new 5,654 square metre site with innovative features.
- A significant focus is placed on sustainability, with installations like rooftop air source heat pumps and a solar roofing system.
- Plans include 294 new homes, with a commitment to create affordable housing for half of the units.
- Awarded under the £8bn Procure Partnership framework, this adds to Kier’s recent successes in educational construction.
The contract, valued at £47 million, entrusts Kier with the task of redeveloping the ageing Greenwich campus, part of the London South East Colleges (LSEC) portfolio. This ambitious project involves the complete demolition of the current structures and the creation of a state-of-the-art 5,654 square metre educational facility. The new campus is designed to include modern classrooms, wellbeing spaces, and specialist rooms such as a Mac studio, a learning resource centre, and a training kitchen.
One of the standout aspects of this construction endeavour is its emphasis on sustainability. Kier plans to equip the campus with cutting-edge technologies, including rooftop air source heat pumps that operate in conjunction with photovoltaic panels, a green roofing system, and an innovative ambient loop heating and cooling system. Such features are aimed at achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating, underscoring the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Further enhancing this development, Kier will construct 294 new homes on the site, with a significant commitment to affordability, as 50% of these homes will be designated as affordable housing. This aspect of the project reflects broader objectives of addressing housing shortages and supporting the local community.
The award of this project came through the Procure Partnership framework, a substantial £8 billion initiative launched the previous September. This framework is designed to streamline the procurement process for public sector construction projects, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Kier’s selection for such a high-profile project is indicative of its strong reputation and proven expertise in the sector.
Kier’s recent track record in securing significant educational construction contracts is notable. Just last year, the contractor was awarded a £65 million project to construct a Passivhaus school in Edinburgh and has also taken on sustainable school projects in Havering and Bournemouth. Over the latter half of 2023 alone, Kier managed to amass five educational construction contracts, amounting to £182 million, solidifying its status as a leader in the industry.
Kier’s involvement in this Greenwich redevelopment project highlights its ongoing commitment to innovative and sustainable construction within the educational sector.
