Keys for Herts’ flagship building Spectra handed over as multi-million-pound project reaches major milestone

The University of Hertfordshire’s flagship, multi-million-pound science and engineering building, Spectra, met a major milestone this week, as most of the building work has been completed.

The keys for the five-floor building, which will house the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science and transform learning, teaching and research in STEM fields, have now officially been handed over to the University from lead contractor Morgan Sindall Construction.

Spectra will be the largest single structure on campus and will be a hub for innovation, research and enterprise. Its cutting-edge facilities and equipment will expand Herts’ range of study and research options and increase its capacity for high quality, real-world research impact.

Now the University has taken control of the building, it will complete the internal fit-out, with IT, audio-visual, furniture and specialist equipment, before the building opens its doors to staff and students in September.

Beyond Herts, Spectra will benefit the local community, become a catalyst for regional growth by providing specialist services to regional businesses and fill crucial skills gaps in STEM industries nation-wide.

New facilities within the building will mirror the working environments in students’ future careers. They include modelling, simulation and research labs, flight simulators, an automotive workshop complete with electric vehicle facility, a wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite. Students will have access to state-of-the-art cyber security laboratories while the upper floors will provide space for workshops, research and computer science, as well as social and meeting spaces to collaborate and socialise.

Spectra will champion and improve diversity in the UK’s STEM industry, alongside a range of initiatives at the University to inspire people from minority groups to pursue STEM subjects.

Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“We’re thrilled to have received the keys for Spectra and can't wait to see it full of students in the new term. This remarkable space will inspire our students to become the next generation of leading engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians and physicists, and is a testament to our investment in high quality learning, innovation and the wider community.

“Thank you to everyone involved with the project, particularly Morgan Sindall Construction, for all their hard work in making this huge milestone a reality.”

Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “Handing over the keys for the new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science was an exciting moment, as this facility will significantly boost much needed STEM skills while creating a vital hub for advanced research and academic innovation.

“Having a close, collaborative working relationship with the University of Hertfordshire and taking an innovative, Intelligent Solutions-led approach to the project was vital to ensure the completed Spectra building equips the University’s researchers and future experts with the capabilities they need.”

More information about Spectra can be found online.