The UK's Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed construction company Mace as the primary contractor for the new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

The contract was awarded under the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) national framework.

Mace will oversee the design procurement for this new headquarters, which will be located on the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus near its Department of Meteorology.

The project is intended to be a leading net-zero carbon building, with a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology Excellent rating and minimal carbon produced throughout construction and operation.

GPA Capital Projects director Clive Anderson said: “The GPA has been working in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the ECMWF and the University of Reading to deliver the new headquarters building.

“We are pleased to be supported by AtkinsRealis and Mace in developing the submission to deliver a modern, accessible, and highly sustainable building.”

Upon completion, the building will accommodate a research institute, as well as a regular operating service that will generate and distribute numerical weather forecasts to its member states.

The new design will also encompass cross-disciplinary workstations, a conference centre, a council chamber, and a central atrium.

Mace Public Sector Construction managing director Terry Spraggett said: “Mace has longstanding experience in maximising value across the public sector, placing sustainability at the heart of every project delivery.

“Together with our supply chain partners, we will bring lasting benefits and find innovative ways to push the boundaries of net-zero carbon delivery.”