Mott MacDonald appointed on University of Huddersfield new centre

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Mott MacDonald has been appointed by the University of Huddersfield to carry out mechanical and electrical engineering design and performance services for the design and construction of a new student learning and leisure centre. The 6,500m² facility is to be located at the heart of the Queensgate Campus in the University of Huddersfield.

The landmark development will integrate with the recently remodelled library and central computing facility and will provide a learning and leisure hub for students, staff and visitors. The existing sports hall will be replaced with a purpose built sports centre which will include an eight court sports hall, fitness centre, studio spaces, squash courts, changing facilities and other multifunctional rooms. Next to the sports centre will be a purpose built student centre providing a home for the students union, student sport, central catering and other associated services.

Mott MacDonald will produce a performance specification for the project for inclusion in the design and construct tender documents. The consultancy will also provide cost advice throughout the duration of the project and produce a design brief for the new facility. The University is seeking to obtain a BREEAM rating of Excellent for the new facility and the design will consider passive engineering measures such as natural ventilation. Part of the façade is being considered for a solar wall installation so that solar radiation can be captured by building fabric and transferred to mechanical systems. This will provide free heating and energy throughout the year.

The project involves de-centralisation of infrastructure serving other buildings on the campus. As part of the de-centralisation design Mott MacDonald will explore the potential of introducing combined heat and power and absorption cooling to serve the new development. Removal of the existing life expired plant will achieve significant savings in line with the University’s carbon management plan targets.

Mott MacDonald’s technical director Stephen Ruane said: “It is great to be appointed once again by the University of Huddersfield. Last year we carried out mechanical and electrical design for the development of an enterprise innovation to support small to medium sized enterprises coming out of university.”

Construction is due to start in September 2012 and the project is due for completion in 2013.

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Media Enquiries:

Tom Smith
+44 (0) 20 8774 2205
tom.smith@mottmac.com

Christina de Burgh-Milne
+44 (0) 20 8774 3639
christina.deburgh-milne@mottmac.com

Lee Lodge
+44 (0) 20 8774 2040
lee.lodge@mottmac.com

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global management, engineering and development consultancy with more than 14,000 staff, £1 billion revenue and work in 140 countries for the public and private sectors. For 6 consecutive years the employee-owned company has featured in the Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to Work For survey. Mott MacDonald’s core business sectors cover buildings, transport, energy, water, environment, health, education, industry, oil and gas, communications and international development.

More information can be found at http://www.mottmac.com/

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