Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the completion of its work on the new veterinary facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston.

The project, secured via the NHS Shared Business Services Framework, has created a cutting-edge centre for veterinary and animal sciences, one of only 11 such schools in the UK.

The construction scheme, which commenced in spring 2023, was delivered in two phases. The initial phase involved a significant refurbishment of the ground floor of the Greenbank Building on the university's Preston Campus. This now houses simulated consultation rooms, a physiotherapy suite with a hydrotherapy treadmill, kennels, and diagnostic facilities including X-ray and ultrasound. Simulated operating theatres, dental rooms, and pharmacies have also been integrated, alongside flexible teaching spaces utilising moveable acoustic walls. Additionally, a former car park at the rear of the Greenbank site has been redeveloped into a public realm.

Following the completion of the Greenbank refurbishment, UCLan welcomed the first cohort of students to its five-year Veterinary Medicine & Surgery degree course in September 2023.

The second phase of the project, now handed over, involved the construction of a new four-storey, 50,000 square feet main building. This facility incorporates high-specification anatomical skills laboratories and clinical facilities. Flexible and future-proofed spaces have been designed to support teaching needs, particularly on the second floor, which includes seminar rooms, immersive projector spaces, and large adaptable teaching areas. Students are expected to occupy the new building in September 2025.

Operating on a live university campus, Morgan Sindall collaborated closely with UCLan to ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors. The integration of existing and new buildings required continuous coordination to minimise disruption. Critical upgrades to fire protection and M&E systems were carefully scheduled to avoid interference with daily operations, with extensive fire stopping installed to meet regulatory standards. This approach earned the project a Gold Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

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Sustainability was a core focus of the project, with Morgan Sindall implementing various green initiatives. Key interventions included the use of low-carbon Peikko delta beams, which saved 101 tonnes of CO₂, and a rainwater harvesting and attenuation system. Additional carbon savings were achieved through the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel in structural elements (216 tonnes of CO₂) and low-carbon concrete foundations (42 tonnes). Two green roofs were also installed to enhance biodiversity.

Circular economy principles were embedded throughout the project, with doors from the former Greenbank Building donated for reuse in Sierra Leone. Partnerships with EMR supported metal recycling and charitable initiatives, while timber waste was processed through Community Wood Recycling. Materials such as signage, hoarding, flooring offcuts, and cladding were repurposed or recycled via partners like Flame UK.

Morgan Sindall demonstrated a commitment to local economic growth, engaging local companies for various aspects of the project. Preston-based Leach Steelwork delivered the steel frame package for the new build, and Blackpool-based Ameon was responsible for the mechanical and electrical package.

The project also generated significant social value, including 208 weeks of training (e.g., BTEC, NVQ) and 467 weeks of apprenticeships for students and apprentices. This led to the direct employment of 37 local people and the creation of 825 supply chain jobs, including opportunities for long-term unemployed individuals, NEETs, care leavers, ex-offenders, and disabled workers. The project spent £9.26m with local SMEs, exceeding its original target of £6.98m, and contributed £25,952 to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises, alongside 22 hours of business advice.

Steven Gregory, North West area director for Morgan Sindall, commented: "We've thoroughly enjoyed delivering this unique, purpose-built facility in close collaboration with the University. From the outset, the project was shaped by early engagement, innovation, and in-depth technical considerations, and some of which evolved throughout the build to meet the needs of its users. The result is an inspiring and highly functional learning environment that enhances the teaching experience for both staff and students."

Dr Heather Bacon OBE, Dean of UCLan's School of Veterinary Medicine, added: "I've worked closely with Morgan Sindall's team throughout the entirety of the build providing insight from the perspective of a veterinary industry professional. This is only the eleventh vet school to ever be built in the UK so it's essential the building and facilities are industry leading and adaptable for a profession that is varied and ever changing. What we've achieved is a space that is future proof, welcoming but ultimately practical."

Other partners involved in the project included Turner & Townsend, Curtins, Fletcher Rae, Hoare Lea, and Wilson Mason & Partners. This collaboration marks the latest between UCLan and Morgan Sindall, following the completion of the JB Firth Building in 2011.