Construction firm Kier has been scopped a £26.8 million deal by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to build an 8,000sqm research and development building at Culham Science Centre near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

The project was procured through the Crown Commercial Service (CSS) Framework.

The project will comprise of a new four-storey office building with a rig hall for research and development, and there will be a multi-storey carpark. The engineering and office space will be used by multiple tenants.

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Designed to meet UKAEA's long-term sustainability goals, the building will comply with energy targets in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan. This will be achieved by using a combination of energy efficient design and passive measures to enhance the thermal performance of the building.

The roof area of the scheme will include a solar photovoltaic array and air source heat pumps will be installed to provide both heating and cooling.

Construction work is set to start this autumn.

Andy Bolas, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: "We are very excited to be working on another significant and important project with UKAEA.

"Sustainability is key to what we do at Kier and this project is another example of our commitment to protecting the environment and furthers our presence in providing for the science sector.

"This also supports UKAEA’s mission to lead the delivery of safe, sustainable, low carbon, fusion energy for generations to come."