The University of Warwick's vision to create world-leading STEM facilities has taken a major step forward with the appointment of Kier as the preferred lead contractor to deliver Phase 1 of its STEM Connect Programme.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the University's wider Connect Programme, a landmark £700 million capital investment in STEM and Social Sciences, described as unprecedented in its scale and ambition.

Located at the University's West Midlands campus, the first phase of development will include state-of-the-art laboratories and innovative learning environments. The new infrastructure is designed to support Warwick’s interdisciplinary research approach, broaden academic offerings, and enhance the overall campus experience for students, staff and the wider community.

The expansion will also introduce a wide array of new undergraduate and postgraduate STEM courses, attracting top talent from across the globe. The programme will underpin Warwick’s efforts to address global challenges such as crop protection, sustainable materials development, and treatment of neglected tropical diseases through research-led innovation and international collaboration.

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Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, said: "Appointing a contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the STEM Connect Programme is a really big moment in the journey of the Connect Programme and is a timely milestone in the University’s 60th anniversary year.

"The STEM Connect Programme is a transformative initiative that will not only enhance learning opportunities for our students but also strengthen our global reputation as a leader in science and technology engineering and mathematics.

"We are excited to partner with Kier to bring this ambitious vision to life, and the appointment of one of Britain's strongest contractors is a major milestone and reflects the pace of our delivery."

Kier brings a strong track record in education-led construction, having previously delivered cutting-edge facilities for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, a hub for global health research and innovation.

The STEM Connect Programme is the first phase of the University's broader Connect Programme, which aligns with the goals of Warwick's 'Excellence with Purpose 2030' strategy. Over the course of the programme, it is expected to generate more than 1,500 construction-related jobs, providing a substantial boost to the regional economy.

Construction is set to begin later this year following the completion of enabling works.