Morgan Sindall hands over University of Lancashire’s new School of Veterinary Medicine
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed its work at the landmark new veterinary facilities at the University of Central Lancashire.
The new state-of-the-art building, one of only 11 veterinary schools in the country, will provide a state-of-the-art centre of learning for students studying a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across veterinary and animal sciences.
The construction scheme, secured via the NHS Shared Business Services Framework on behalf of the University, started in the spring of 2023 and entailed two phases.
The first phase saw the ground floor refurbishment of the Greenbank Building (pictured right) on the University’s Preston Campus.
The facility now includes simulated consultation rooms, a physiotherapy suite with a hydrotherapy treadmill for the rehabilitation of dogs and a dedicated area for kennels. X-ray, ultrasound and diagnostic facilities,
Simulated operating theatres, dental rooms, and pharmacies have also been created while flexible teaching spaces have been built through the use of moveable acoustic walls. Additionally, a car park at the back of the Greenbank site has now been turned into public realm.
Following the opening of the Greenbank refurbishment, the University’s flagship, brand-new five-year Veterinary Medicine & Surgery degree course welcomed its first students in September 2023.
The second phase of the project entailed the construction of a four-storey, 50,000 square feet main building, comprising a mixture of high-specification anatomical skills laboratories and clinical facilities. Flexible and future-proofed spaces further support teaching needs, particularly on the second floor, where seminar rooms, immersive projector spaces, and large teaching areas have been designed for adaptability and future expansion.
The new build component has now been handed over and students are set to move in during September 2025.
Operating on a live campus, Morgan Sindall worked closely with the University to prioritise safety and security for students, staff, and visitors. The complex integration of old and new buildings at the campus required continuous coordination with stakeholders to minimise disruption. Critical upgrades to fire protection and M&E systems were carefully scheduled to avoid interfering with daily operations, while extensive fire stopping was installed to meet current regulatory standards.
As a result of this approach, the project recently achieved a Gold Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, recognising the Morgan Sindall’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and care.
Morgan Sindall demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability in its construction of the new veterinary school, integrating a range of green initiatives throughout the project.
Key sustainable design interventions deployed as part of Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach included the use of low-carbon Peikko delta beams, which saved 101 tonnes of CO₂ compared to a traditional steel frame, and a rainwater harvesting and attenuation system to reduce water consumption. Additional carbon savings were achieved through the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel in structural elements, saving 216 tonnes of CO₂, and low-carbon concrete foundations, which saved a further 42 tonnes. 2 green roofs were also installed to enhance biodiversity.
Circular economy principles were also embedded across the project. Doors from the former Greenbank Building were donated for reuse in Sierra Leone, and partnerships with EMR supported metal recycling while funding charitable initiatives. Timber waste was processed through Community Wood Recycling, and materials such as signage, hoarding, flooring offcuts, and cladding were repurposed or recycled through partners like Flame UK.
Throughout the project, Morgan Sindall was committed to using local companies to ensure an economic boost for the local area. The steel frame package in the new build was delivered by Preston-based Leach Steelwork while other local contractors involved include Blackpool-based Ameon, who were responsible for delivering the mechanical and electrical (M&E) package.
As part of Morgan Sindall’s commitment to delivering social value throughout all aspects of its operations, it worked with students and apprentices throughout the School of Veterinary Medicine project, with 208 weeks of training (e.g., BTEC, NVQ) and 467 weeks of apprenticeships being delivered.
Other social value outputs from the project included:
- 37 direct local people employed and 825 supply chain jobs created. These figures include 21 long-term unemployed people, 23 NEETs, two care leavers, 51 unemployed individuals, two ex-offenders, and four disabled workers.
- £9.26m spent with local SMEs, outperforming the original £6.98m target.
- £25,952 spent with Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises and 22 hours of business advice given.
Steven Gregory, North West area director for Morgan Sindall said:
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed delivering this unique, purpose-built facility in close collaboration with the University. From the outset, the project was shaped by early engagement, innovation, and in-depth technical considerations, and some of which evolved throughout the build to meet the needs of its users. The result is an inspiring and highly functional learning environment that enhances the teaching experience for both staff and students.
This project exemplifies our unwavering commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. It also reinforces our role in creating facilities that deliver meaningful, long-term impact. It has been deeply rewarding to fulfil our local responsible business objectives, supporting economic growth, and driving better outcomes for the wider community. As a state-of-the-art development, this facility represents a vital asset not only for Lancashire but for the entire North, further strengthening the University’s appeal as a place to live, work, and study.”
Dr Heather Bacon OBE, Dean of the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Veterinary Medicine said:
I’ve worked closely with Morgan Sindall’s team throughout the entirety of the build providing insight from the perspective of a veterinary industry professional. This is only the eleventh vet school to ever be built in the UK so it’s essential the building and facilities are industry leading and adaptable for a profession that is varied and ever changing. What we’ve achieved is a space that is future proof, welcoming but ultimately practical. The investment we’ve put into our School of Veterinary Medicine will be money well spent as the facility also offers the University a fantastic opportunity to build on the world-renowned research already being undertaken by our academics across our clinical, biomedical and science areas.”
Other partners on the project include Turner & Townsend, Curtins, Fletcher Rae, Hoare Lea and Wilson Mason & Partners.
The project is the latest building collaboration between the University and Morgan Sindall following the creation of JB Firth Building, completed in 2011.