Bam hands over in Lancaster

The £41m first phase of Lancaster University’s Health Innovation Campus has been completed by Bam Construction North West.

The Health Innovation One building offers co-location space for external organisations, as well as being the new home for Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research. .

Mick Donoghue, construction manager for the project, said: “The university and ourselves have now created 11 new buildings, and they become ever more interesting.

“We’ve brought our world-class collaborative approach and problem-solving skills to this scheme to see through an ambitious design and to prepare the campus for the future.

“We’ve captured the building’s data that will assist in its more efficient operation through a full BIM level 2 model.

“I think it looks fabulous and I hope it will be a great home for the very varied occupiers who will soon come to use it.”

Covid-19 restrictions mean the planned opening for many staff and co-locating businesses has been delayed. However, some teaching will begin to be delivered in the new building from September, with other activities coming on-line as circumstances allow.

Development of the new campus has been supported by a £17m contribution from Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal programme, as well as the European Regional Development Fund.

Prof. Andy Schofield, vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, said: “The Health Innovation Campus is a project of strategic importance for Lancaster University.

“It will provide a cutting-edge facility for our medical students, a home for the Division of Health Research and an exciting innovation hub, where academics will work with cross-sector partners on systems and products which improve health outcomes.”