Construction and consultancy firm Mace has been selected as main contractor for the upgrade of the Vulcan Laser Facility on the Harwell Campus, Oxford in the UK.

The redevelopment project aims to significantly enhance the research capabilities of the existing Central Laser Facility (CLF).

UK government agency Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) selected the firm under a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA).

Mace will be responsible for undertaking the design, buildability, construction, programme, and planning services for the extension and part restoration of the Vulcan Laser Facility.

Recently, STFC CLF received £85m from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for a major upgrade programme involving construction of the Vulcan 20-20 laser, which is expected to become the world’s most powerful laser.

Currently, the most powerful laser at CLF is the Vulcan laser. The upgraded Vulcan 20-20 laser will be 100 times brighter than its predecessor.

The new laser is used for plasma physics, new renewable energy sources and assessing electromagnetic fields.

Under the latest contract, Mace will also be responsible for the fitting of two 7m-tall targeting bunkers, with thickness of the walls and soffits to be up to 2.0m.

Made with specialised radiation-resistant concrete mixture, these structures will provide protection from beams that are billion times hotter than the brightest sunlight.

To deliver the project Mace plans to partner with Fairhurst Design Group (architect), Glanville (civil and structural engineers), Hoare Lea (mechanical and electrical engineering), BB7 (fire engineering) and RSK (acoustic engineering).

Mace public sector construction managing director Terry Spraggett said: “I am proud that together with our partners we will play a part in delivering a project that will push the boundaries of science and research - enabling some of the key scientific breakthroughs of our time.’’