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The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed global delivery consultant and construction expert, Mace, as the main contractor for its new cutting-edge weather centre.
The new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), located on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus, next to the university’s renowned Department of Meteorology, will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production, and research into climate change.
Mace was appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework to deliver the state-of-the-art building alongside the GPA’s multidisciplinary consultant, AtkinsRealis.
The new highly sustainable headquarters will feature a range of advanced facilities, including workspaces and meeting rooms, a lecture theatre, council chamber, and an interactive weather room. The building’s design incorporates numerous carbon reduction strategies, such as optimised solar shading and energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, aligning with the 2030 LETI (Low Energy Transformation Initiative) standards for operational energy.
Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA, said: “The new ECMWF headquarters will not only advance capabilities in weather and climate research but also bring significant benefits to the local community. By prioritising both embodied and operational carbon reductions, this project exemplifies our commitment to both sustainable development and scientific innovation.”
Rob Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Construction, UK at Mace, added: “This new state-of-the-art weather centre will be a global hub for scientists to advance numerical weather prediction and inform the fight against climate change. Our focus on sustainability and innovation for this project will help the new headquarters meet the highest environmental standards.
“Every design decision has been driven by our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, in both operational and embodied carbon. This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a more sustainable future.”
Construction is set to begin in early 2025 and the building is expected to be completed by early 2027.
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