The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, UK, has marked a milestone with the practical completion of its Spectra building.  

The keys of the five-floor structure have been handed over to the university from Morgan Sindall Construction, the project's lead contractor. 

Procured under the Southern Construction Framework, Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed in 2021, and the Spectra building's name was announced in 2023.  

Set to open in September this year, the building is said to become the largest single structure on the university's campus.  

Designed to be a nexus for innovation, research, and enterprise within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the building will house the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. 

Spectra is expected to enhance the university's research capabilities, with new facilities including modelling, simulation, and research labs.  

The building will also feature flight simulators, an automotive workshop with an electric vehicle facility, a wind tunnel, a welding bay, and a controls testing suite.  

It will offer students access to cybersecurity facilities while the upper floors will offer spaces for workshops, research in computer science, and areas for socialising and collaboration.  

It aims to be a catalyst for regional growth by offering specialist services to regional businesses and addressing critical skills shortages in STEM industries across the country.

Morgan Sindall Construction Northern Home Counties area director Emma Curtis said: “Handing over the keys for the new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science was an exciting moment, as this facility will significantly boost much-needed STEM skills while creating a vital hub for advanced research and academic innovation. 

“Having a close, collaborative working relationship with the University of Hertfordshire and taking an innovative, Intelligent Solutions-led approach to the project was vital to ensure the completed Spectra building equips the university’s researchers and future experts with the capabilities they need.” 

Earlier this month, Morgan Sindall Construction was selected by the UK's National Health Service to extend the emergency department of the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran.