Construction company Mace has been appointed by the Government Property Agency (GPA) to deliver the new building that will house the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) next to the University of Reading’s Department of Meteorology on the Whiteknights campus. Work is expected to begin on-site in February 2025, with completion expected in early 2027.
Improved meteorological facilities
The new ECMWF headquarters will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and research into climate change. It will feature a range of advanced facilities, including workspaces and meeting rooms, a lecture theater, a council chamber and an interactive weather room. The building’s design incorporates numerous carbon reduction strategies, such as optimized solar shading and energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, aligning with the 2030 LETI standards for operational energy.
Construction plans
An agreement for lease was signed in December 2024 between the university and GPA, meaning the university has handed over Earley Gate site to Mace. This follows months of preparation work by the university to demolish buildings that previously housed the School of Art, clear the site and put in place electrical and water connections for the new government-funded building.
Streamlined collaboration
Prof. Robert Van de Noort, vice chancellor of the University of Reading, stated, “The new headquarters will open up more collaboration opportunities between scientists at the university and ECMWF, with whom the university has a longstanding relationship. It is an important part of the work to strengthen the university’s research in weather and climate change and to build our reputation as a leading university in the area of environmental sustainability. We are working with the government and the contractor to keep neighboring residents and others who are interested in the project updated on its progress.”
Georgina Dunn, interim director of capital projects at the GPA, commented, “The new ECMWF headquarters will not only advance capabilities in weather and climate research but also bring significant benefits to the local community. By prioritizing both embodied and operational carbon reductions, this project exemplifies our commitment to both sustainable development and scientific innovation.”
Rob Lemming, managing director of public sector and life sciences and construction at Mace UK, said, “This new state-of-the-art weather center will be a global hub for scientists to advance numerical weather prediction and inform our fight against climate change, and 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.”
In related news, the University of Reading recently found that the key to more accurate rainfall predictions may lie in motion analysis of falling snowflakes. Click here to read the full story.