UTC Swindon took a significant step with the appointment of the education facility's building contractor.

BAM Construction has been granted Selected Panel Member status and brings a wealth of experience in building contracts, including work for existing UTC developments.

During the tendering process, the company produced a set of impressive initial site designs for UTC Swindon, based on the preferred Mill Site location.

It is anticipated that building work will begin in the autumn of 2013 and comprehensive designs will now continue to be progressed. As announced in January, the proposed site is subject to lease negotiations, planning permission and Government approval.

As well as being in the heart of the town with easy walking access to the train and bus stations, the proposed Mill Site, which remains the preferred option, goes back to the heritage of engineering and education first created as part of the Great Western Rail works.

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The old school building and the water tower will be key parts of the site, being grade 2 listed, with the water tower planned to be restored to its former glory and will be combined with renovation of all the existing buildings on the site.

This will involve a very careful blend of new build with building materials and structures designed to be sympathetic to the heritage requirements to complement the historic nature of the site, working closely with English Heritage and the Mechanics' Institution Trust.

Paul Inman, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University, said: "We are delighted that BAM Construction has been awarded this prestigious contract and look forward to working with them to help deliver what will be a unique educational enterprise for Swindon.

"BAM are a leading construction company because of their creative approach towards design and sustainability. Their design work for the UTC buildings are both refreshingly innovative and complementary to the engineering heritage of the former rail works. This appointment is the latest significant step as we make good progress on what is a leading-edge educational initiative."

(CD/H)