University of Lancashire School of Veterinary Medicine

The School of Veterinary Medicine is a state-of-the-art facility for the University of Lancashire (formerly UCLan) combining a new-build extension and refurbishment of the existing Greenbank Building in Preston. As Lancashire’s first veterinary school, the scheme is a landmark development with local, national, and international significance.

The new build spans 3,800m² across three storeys and incorporates high-spec wet and dry laboratories, a cadaver preparation suite, microscopy and dissection labs, a mock veterinary practice open to the public, seminar rooms, and immersive collaboration spaces. The 960m² refurbishment includes simulated theatres, a clinical skills zone, a hydrotherapy pool for canine rehabilitation, and mock consultation rooms.

Key to the project’s innovation was our delivery of complex functional spaces not commonly found in higher education builds – including infection-controlled environments, specialist ventilation systems, and bespoke cadaver delivery and storage facilities.

The use of Peikko delta beams - an innovative slim-floor structural solution (pictured) within the steel frame construction enabled the creation of large, column-free spaces ideal for open plan teaching areas, laboratories, and flexible learning environments.

Designed to BREEAM Excellent, the development integrates sustainable features such as green roofs, PV panels, low-carbon materials, lifecycle planning aligned with BREEAM, and intelligent design saving over 360 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Social value was embedded throughout delivery, generating over £8.7m verified socio-economic value. Our approach focused on creating education, employment and community benefits closely aligned to local priorities. It was measured and verified via Social Value Portal, ensuring transparent, evidence‑based outcomes.

Education and skills were a core theme. The project delivered 509 apprenticeship weeks, 307 NVQ weeks, 39 internship weeks, and over 150 hours of student engagement. The scheme also supported ULan students directly, including a placement year for a civil engineering student.

We also worked extensively with local schools, delivering assemblies, hosting nursery and reception site tours and running a Year 6 engineering challenge to inspire early interest in STEM and construction careers.

Employment outcomes were significant. Working closely with our supply chain and partners such as We Are Footprint, we created roles for short/long‑term unemployed people, NEETs, care leavers, ex‑offenders and disabled workers.

Local economic benefit was strengthened through £9.2m spend with local MSMEs, supply chain engagement of 415 local employees, and VCSE procurement.

Community impact was delivered through 127 volunteer hours and nearly £10k donated to local initiatives. We piloted a six‑week DIY course with Lancashire Women, equipping vulnerable women with practical home‑maintenance skills, improving confidence, and enhancing the charity’s centre through redecoration and furniture installation. We also partnered with EMR Metal Recycling, raising £1,566 for the Lancashire SAFE Centre through reclaimed metal donations.