A project milestone has been reached on a £40 million laboratory development at the University of Birmingham.

Morgan Sindall has achieved the topping out stage of the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) development. Work is continuing on the scheme and completion is on schedule for a summer 2018 handover.

The contractor's site team completed work on the building's frame in July. The façade has been enclosed with a structural framing system and curtain walling, while elements of the roof have recently been completed.

Once finished, the 72,120 sq ft building will facilitate the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Set over three-storeys, the laboratory will include high-specification equipment and modern technologies, as well as dry, wet and computer laboratories.

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In addition, the project is being built to a BREEAM 'Excellent' standard. Use of modern, high tech IT systems, including VR technologies, will enhance the user experience and futureproof the facility.

To mark the topping out milestone, University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Softley, joined Richard Fielding, Morgan Sindall's Area Director for the Midlands in signing one of the building's girders on 19 October.

University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Softley said: "The University of Birmingham aims to deliver the best possible learning experience for our students. This is not simply a building, but a change in the way we deliver engineering and science-based education in the University.

"The CTL will make more effective use of staff time and resources through the efficient use of practical teaching space and innovations in teaching delivery. Our students will benefit from transformational teaching and become better prepared for working life.

"We have already seen the benefits that the first phase of CTL has brought in our School of Engineering and student feedback has been positive."

Morgan Sindall's Area Director for the Midlands, Richard Fielding, added: "The CTL is set to offer both the modern physical facilities for scientific ideas to take shape, and also serve as a vital hub, allowing equally important outreach and engagement programmes to showcase STEM subjects to the wider community.

"We're proud to be delivering a project which is so important to both the university and the city, and very pleased to celebrate this milestone in its development."

(LM)