Miller Construction is celebrating a successful end to Quarter 1, with £51 million of Higher Education projects for Bangor University and Durham University.

Preferred Bidder status has been secured for a £40 million world class Arts and Innovation Centre for the Pontio Development at Bangor University and the contract signed for an £11 million project at Durham University to deliver its new Business School.

Chris Webster, Chief Executive, Miller Construction, said: "These contracts signal a successful end to Quarter 1. Our track record in the delivery of education facilities is exemplary, with Education remaining a core market for us. We are building a strong portfolio of projects in Higher Education and the contracts at Bangor University and Durham University provide us with the opportunity to reinforce our expertise and skills in this market.

"We already have a positive, working relationship with Durham University, having recently delivered the new student residencies and refurbishment of Palace Green Library. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our clients and we are delighted to be working with Durham University again, further strengthening the partnership we already have in place.


"Bangor University is a new client for us and we are looking forward to developing a long-lasting relationship with them. We are confident both universities will benefit from the facilities we deliver, both now and for many years to come."

Works at Bangor University are expected to begin in May 2012 on the site on Deiniol Road, and once complete will house a 500-seat theatre, studio theatre, cinema, restaurant, bars, a new Students Union building and teaching and learning spaces, equipped with the latest technology. The 100,000 sqft building has been designed to achieve an excellent environmental standard and will provide a link from the Memorial Arch to the university’s main building. Works are due for completion in Spring 2014.

The contract at Durham University involves a programme of works to improve and reconfigure the Business School’s facilities, constructing a new space to link existing and new buildings together. Works will include improvement to the façade of the existing buildings, the provision of additional office accommodation, a new glazed breakout space, improved catering provision with additional dining space and increased flexibility for corporate events.

The proposed design will define two new formal garden spaces as well as maintain the existing green space to the rear of the building. Works are due to begin in April 2012 and are expected to complete in September 2013.

(CD)