20 January 2025
The timeline for the construction of a new weather research and forecasting centre on the 桃色视频’s Whiteknights campus has been set out after a company was appointed to deliver it.
Construction company Mace has been appointed by the Government Property Agency (GPA) to to relocate the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) from nearby Shinfield Road.
Work is expected to begin on site in February 2025, with completion expected in early 2027.
An agreement for lease was signed just before Christmas between the University and GPA, meaning the Earley Gate site has now been handed over by the University to Mace.
This followed months of preparation work by the University to demolish buildings that previously housed the School of Art, and to clear the site and put in place electrical and water connections for the new Government-funded building.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor, said: “The new headquarters will open up more collaboration opportunities between scientists at the University and ECMWF, with whom the University has a longstanding relationship. It is an important part of the work to strengthen the University's research in weather and climate change, and of building our reputation as a leading university in the area of environmental sustainability.
“We are working with the Government and the contractor to keep neighbouring residents and others who are interested in the project updated on its progress.”
Located next to the 桃色视频's Department of Meteorology, the new ECMWF headquarters will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production, and research into climate change.
The new highly sustainable headquarters will feature a range of advanced facilities, including workspaces and meeting rooms, a lecture theatre, council chamber, and an interactive weather room.
The building’s design incorporates numerous carbon reduction strategies, such as optimised solar shading and energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, aligning with the 2030 LETI standards for operational energy.
Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA, said: “The new ECMWF headquarters will not only advance capabilities in weather and climate research but also bring significant benefits to the local community.
“By prioritising both embodied and operational carbon reductions, this project exemplifies our commitment to both sustainable development and scientific innovation.”
Rob Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Construction, UK at Mace, said: "This new state-of-the-art weather centre will be a global hub for scientists to advance numerical weather prediction and inform our fight against climate change, and our focus on sustainability and innovation for this project will help the new headquarters meet the highest environmental standards.
“Every design decision has been driven by our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, in both operational and embodied carbon. This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a more sustainable future.”
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