Morgan Sindall Construction's Thames Valley team has completed and handed over the new Culham Science Centre Nursery & Preschool, a purpose-built early years facility on the UK Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA) Culham campus.

The 828m² single-storey nursery forms part of UKAEA's wider campus masterplan and will provide places for up to 144 children. Designed by Arc Partnership, the building features a central courtyard for younger children and a secure play area set within mature trees to create a natural, forest-inspired environment.

Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, the project focused on delivering social and local economic value. Around £1.2 million was spent with suppliers and labour within 20 miles of the site, alongside £16,000 with social enterprises. The team also created local employment opportunities, hosted student placements, and dedicated over 70 volunteer hours to STEM education events across the region.

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The use of a reinforced concrete raft slab in place of traditional foundations saved more than 230 tonnes of CO₂e, while additional green measures included air-source heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, and high-efficiency heating and ventilation systems.

Digital innovation also played a major role. Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2, Morgan Sindall improved project coordination and reduced on-site clashes. The project achieved a perfect 45/45 score under the Considerate Constructors Scheme, earning two innovation points for its Powertrack modular lighting and power system, and later received a Gold Award at the CCS National Awards for excellence in safety and community engagement.