Stellar New Nursery at UKAEA’s Culham Science Campus

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Thames Valley team has successfully handed over Culham Science Centre Nursery & Preschool, a purpose-built early years facility located on the site of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) Culham campus.

Forming part of UKAEA’s wider campus masterplan, the new 828m² single-storey nursery will support staff and local families by offering places for up to 144 children. As well as providing a safe and enriching learning environment, the facility has been designed by Arc Partnership to feature a central courtyard for the youngest children, plus a secure softwood chip play area nestled within existing trees, helping to create a forestry feel.

Procured via the SCAPE Construction framework - a gold standard accredited framework ensuring compliance, early contractor engagement and social value - the project team were committed to creating a meaningful impact to the local community from the outset. This saw approximately £1.2 million spent with local suppliers and labour within a 20-mile radius of the site, plus £16k with a number of Social Enterprises. In addition to hiring two local employees, who had previously been long-term unemployed, Morgan Sindall hosted three weeks of work placement students and dedicated 74 volunteer hours to STEM events at Edgbarrow and Oxford - helping inspire young people to explore alternative pathways, including innovative careers at UKAEA’s Culham Campus.

The project team were also committed to incorporating sustainable and modern construction practices throughout the build. By replacing traditional foundations with a reinforced concrete raft slab, they eliminated the need for pile caps and ground beams – saving over 230 tonnes of CO₂e. Additional sustainability measures included air-source heat pumps, 24 photovoltaic panels, high-efficiency LED lighting, and energy-saving heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

Digital construction played a key role in delivering the project efficiently and safely, in line with Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach. This saw Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 used to improve coordination and reduce clashes during construction, while Morgan Sindall also hosted a number of digital construction workshops with UKAEA to support their wider BIM journey. The project team achieved a 45/45 Considerate Constructors Scheme score, with +2 innovation points granted for the use of a Powertrack modular lighting and power system, which improved site safety by eliminating trailing cables. It was later recognised with a ‘Gold Award’ at the CCS National Awards – celebrating excellence in site management, safety, and community impact.

Situated in southern Oxfordshire, a global hotspot for enterprise and advancements in science and high technology, UKAEA’s Culham Campus attracts scientists, engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across the nation. With its newly completed nursery, adults with children working on campus can now enjoy greater convenience than ever.