The 7,760m² East Park Design Centre, which is set to be an iconic building on the University campus, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the various design disciplines at the University, including the Loughborough Design School and the School of the Arts.  It will feature innovative teaching and lecture space, workshops, offices, research space, studios, computer suites, cafe and display area.

Main contractor Shepherd Construction has started work on the roof, which will be one of the most striking external features of the new build, with the concrete being poured via a placing boom while two tower cranes distribute the plant materials and equipment.  In total 4,600 cubic metres of concrete will be used in the new design centre.

Colin Sargeant, Shepherd Construction’s East Division managing director comments: “Construction is progressing well and we are on-schedule to complete the roof before Christmas. Work is also about to start on the external walls of the design centre and so the design centre’s striking appearance will begin to emerge over the coming months.” 

Tony Hodgson, Director of Loughborough University’s Design School, added: “It is very exciting seeing the building take shape and to see work begin on the roof is a great milestone for the build. The contractors have worked hard to keep the project on schedule and the move into the new building is now starting to become a reality. The building is now starting to reflect the design proposals and plans, so staff and students are able to envisage how they will actually be working inside it this time next year.”

This will be the third project at Loughborough University for Shepherd Construction, having previously completed work on the swimming pool and the national cricket academy.