Wates has completed work on the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, a new enterprise by UK Research and Innovation.

The purpose-built centre will now lead the UK's efforts to lead quantum computing development, widely seen as the next major innovation that will open up new frontiers in research. The NQCC will bring together academia, business and the public sector to address the key challenges of quantum computing. This includes scaling this technology to make it commercially viable and create economic value.

Quantum computers solve complex, real-world, problems that even today’s most powerful supercomputers do not have the working memory to process. In a practical sense, this could help businesses such as logistics companies to calculate the most efficient routes, pharmaceutical companies simulate molecules to better understand drug interactions, and support our national security.

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Set over nearly 43,000 sq ft on the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Campus at Harwell in Oxfordshire. The programme is funded through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and STFC.

The NQCC will drive advancements in areas such as healthcare, energy, and artificial intelligence. By providing a hub for research and collaboration, the Centre will ensure that the UK remains a leader in quantum science and development, delivering practical solutions to some of society’s most complex challenges and strengthening the country’s role in global technological progress.

The building was completed by us in partnership with its subsidiary SES Engineering Services – one of the UK’s leading Mechanical and Electrical partners. Over the course of the project, SES installed a range of market leading mechanical and electrical solutions including power supply, IT infrastructure, fire and security systems, a photovoltaic system. World-leading laboratory ventilation systems were developed including innovative integration of air source heat pumps.

The Centre is designed to house different technologies based upon a variety of quantum computing architecture designs and will help ensure that research and innovation continue to grow and flourish in the UK, attracting visitors and industry interest from across the country and internationally.

The UK Science Minister Lord Valance officially opened the NQCC with attendees from across the UK quantum technologies research sector.