Bird’s eye view of the city as new building is ‘topped out’

May 20, 2011 - PRLog -- The next stage in the completion of Coventry University’s new home for the Faculty of Engineering and Computing took a step closer recently at a topping out ceremony of the £55m development.

The state of the art building, which was designed by Arup Associates, is being built by Vinci Construction and is part of the University’s £160m redevelopment plan for the city-centre-based campus.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Coventry joined the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Madeleine Atkins and Mike Voss, the Regional Director, Vinci Construction to witness the final slab of concrete being put in place to complete the structural part of the building work.

It is a huge investment for the University and a boost of confidence for the Faculty.

Paul Ivey, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said:

“The City of Coventry has a long and proud tradition in engineering because it has been a cornerstone of Coventry life for such a long time.  It is apt that the University’s new building protects this heritage.

“The University is also driving its development and progress forward for the future by ensuring that Coventry is a centre for 21st century engineering. This investment is a statement of confidence in us, in the city and our teaching and academic staff.”

The new building, which stands on the site of the old Gulson Road hospital in the city centre, will support engagement with business on a new level and is designed to incorporate environmental features.

Mike Voss, Regional Director, Vinci Construction, said:

“Vinci Construction UK Limited is honoured to have been awarded the design and build contract for the creation of this iconic new home for Coventry University’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing.

“This project sets new standards for student development and experience by giving them competitive advantage for the demands of the ever-changing business world and the changes to the way we work in the future.”

Vinci have also engaged with Coventry University to provide employment for part-time and full-time undergraduates as part of their on- site team. They have also supported students from the School of Art and Design to capture progress on site and have given lectures to students on practical issues which support the University’s research into sustainability.

Two current students from the faculty spoke about the importance of the new building to them. Ana-Maria Cotofan and Josh Holmes and will be fortune enough to still be students at the University when the building is finished.

The building, which is due to be completed by the summer of 2012, will bring under one roof a range of imaginative learning spaces, laboratories, workshops and lecture theatres.

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For further information, contact Ali Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer on 024 7688 8245.


Photograph details: from left to right, back row Paul Ivey (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Professor Madeleine Atkins (Vice Chancellor, Coventry University) Ana-Maria Cotofan (student) David Soutter (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Coventry University) front: Josh Holmes (student)

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The External Communications team from Coventry University promotes a wide range of initiatives, services, success stories and other related aspects of Higher Education and the achievements of its staff and students as well as comment pieces from experts.