The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed Mace as Design and Build contractor to deliver its new state-of-the-art Centre Buildings Redevelopment.
The £123 million project, which is set to be completed by November 2018, will be LSE’s largest ever redevelopment and will provide a world class teaching and learning environment for students and staff.
The redevelopment is in the heart of the School’s Aldwych campus and involves the construction of connected thirteen storey and six storey towers, incorporating lecture theatres, study areas, academic staff offices, a café/learning commons and a series of landscaped roof terraces.
A central feature of the redevelopment, designed by renowned architects Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners, is the creation of a new central plaza, enhancing public as well as academic space.
A focus on sustainability will be a key element of the design with an aspiration to achieving an outstanding BREEAM rating. Levels 2-13 of the new buildings will rely on natural ventilation and cooling through a complex external façade, solar shading and the use of exposed pre-cast soffits.
In addition, the new towers will include bi-fuel CHP, photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting and a useable roof top green space.
The redevelopment will require demolition of four existing buildings, a process which started in June 2015. Following the demolition, construction is expected to start in July 2016.
Julian Robinson, Director of LSE Estates, said: “The construction of the CBR is the tallest, largest and most expensive project for LSE, which will dramatically enhance the learning environment for our staff and students.
“Undertaking a complex project of this size and scale requires a significant degree of technical expertise which is why we are pleased to have appointed Mace to deliver this exciting new development.”
Business Unit Director for Public Sector at Mace, Terry Spraggett said: “We are delighted to be working with LSE to deliver not only their biggest ever development but also a project which will positively shape the learning environment for students for years to come.”