Braintree | 28 November 2018

Works have started on the new £5m Learning and Technology Centre for the Colchester Institute in Braintree.

MCW’s design for the new 1,400m2 two-storey building creates efficient floor plans that will enable the Institute to transform their curriculum delivery from a broad range of vocational courses to a narrower suite of technical and professional programmes, focussing on STEM subjects, whilst providing all users with a more stimulating, welcoming and enjoyable environment.

Colchester Institute’s principal and chief executive, Alison Andreas said “We have marked today, another significant milestone in our exciting Braintree campus masterplan. This time next year, our campus will be fully modernised, with every building boasting state of the art learning spaces and industry standard facilities.

“Here, young people and adults will gain the skills and knowledge that will secure their future job prospects, and supply local employers with the skills their businesses need today and into the future.”

Hatfield | 22 November 2018

The University of Hertfordshire have opened their new Lidar facility, designed by MCW, by pointing its new laser radar into the sky for the first time. The University’s lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is the most powerful instrument of its kind in Europe; for a few nanoseconds the lidar can generate more power than a nuclear power station. The lidar facility will create a hub for research with huge potential applications in many areas, from modern opto-electronics and lasers that are used in industry to research on bio-aerosols, their impact on global food production, and how biogenic pollution may be a cause for cancer and respiratory diseases.

Professor John Senior, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Hertfordshire, said: 'Our research addresses major issues facing business and society and we excel in impactful, innovative and multidisciplinary research that is internationally recognised for its excellence. We will use our lidar facility to work collaboratively with both academia and industry, in the UK and around the world, on research projects that will contribute to global efforts to tackle the key challenges that climate change poses to society in the 21st century.'

Stapleford | 22 November 2018

We were delighted to welcome the directors of West Line Studio in China and give them a tour of our recently completed Stapleford Granary centre for the arts and music today.

We found their cultural center in the rural Chetian Village of particular interest.

Luton | 20 November 2018

The MCW team have visited the STEM building site at the University of Bedfordshire. Due for completion in mid 2019, the four storey building will be home to the University’s growing STEM related activities with engineering labs on the ground floor, computing at first floor, pharmaceutical teaching at second floor and life science teaching and research labs on the third floor.

Northampton | 24 September 2018

The University of Northampton has welcomed students onto their brand new Waterside Campus for the start of term. MCW’s seven year involvement started with the initial feasibility study, moving on to the detailed masterplan, the design and delivery of four buildings and two bridges and finally overseeing the implementation of the masterplan.

“I wanted to tell you how fantastic this place is. I just love the broad sweep of the design and the details - the woodwork, the bricks, the sweeping bridge - I love it all. You should all be very proud of your work. We are privileged to have such a beautiful place to encourage and transform our students lives. Without your help we would not have made it.”

— Mark Mulcahey | Governor, University of Northampton

The University of Hertfordshire’s Business School have strengthened their brand and identity by remodelling their facilities. The project included the design of a completely new entrance with reception desk, seating area for waiting and a private 1-1 meeting space, as well as the relocation of teaching rooms and an increase in office space. The administration functions were moved into one dedicated area to improve workflow and provide one single point of access for students.

Working closely with the university’s estates team, user, interior designer G and T Interiors and contractor T&B Contractors, the quick turnaround project was completed over the summer in time for the student’s return in September.

We are excited to see staff and students starting at University of Northampton's new Waterside Campus, having been responsible for the design and delivery of the masterplan, the Learning Hub, Engine Shed, Sports Zone, Energy Centre and 2 new bridges.

#HelloWaterside

MCW Architects have been appointed to create a new masterplan for Anglia Ruskin’s Cambridge Campus at East Road.

The current masterplan for the Cambridge Campus was developed by BDP and approved in 2008. It was revised by Richard Murphy Architects in 2013 to include options for future development. Significant changes to the Cambridge estate have more recently taken place with the acquisition of additional buildings and sites close to the original campus and construction of new academic buildings.

Colin Moses, director at MCW Architects said: ‘We are delighted to have been chosen. Our approach is focussed on creating ‘places for people’ - spaces that are comfortable, enjoyable, safe and supportive. We will be working hard to help the University fulfil the aims and objectives it has set out to achieve in its strategic thinking for the next decade, creating a vibrant, innovative and inclusive learning and research community’.

The University of Bedfordshire’s campus transformation took a leap forward, with the ‘topping out’ of a new £40m building devoted to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Due to open its door to students in September 2019 the STEM building is the latest in a series of investments in facilities, with the opening of a new library in Luton, and a new teaching and learning building in Bedford the most recent projects to be completed.

“Today is a momentous one for the University as we ‘top out’ a new landmark building for the Luton campus,” said Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell. “This £40m investment is the final piece in our five-year £180million estates strategy.

“The STEM building will serve as an icon for the town, symbolising our commitment to skills development for the region. Its floors will be dedicated to Engineering, Computer Science, Health subjects and Life Sciences. It will incorporate a public outreach facility, enabling us to promote careers in science and engage with business and the local community.”

The ACE Foundation is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with the completion of the final phase of works at the Stapleford Granary study centre for the Arts and Music, with a festival of special events. Our beautiful new building has become a Gallery for an exhibition by Elaine Pamphilon and Christopher Marvell.

For more information follow the link:
http://staplefordgranary.org.uk/

The Univeristy of Bedfordshire’s New Library has won an RIBA East Award at last night’s ceremorny.

The judges commented: “The building is certainly achieving the University’s aim to develop the estate in Luton and to invest in high quality facilities for its students. The library is a highly visible first step in the regeneration of Luton town centre.”

Bedfordshire’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Resources) Donald Harley said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this prestigious award. It is testament to our commitment to give our students the best possible learning facilities, while also investing in our local community of Luton. We are looking forward to seeing our students enjoy the new library for years to come.”

Director at MCW architects Colin Moses said: “We are delighted that the new library has received this award. The shortlisted schemes were of a very high standard and it is important to note that besides complimenting the design of the scheme, the judges clearly recognised the wider social agenda in relation to access and inclusion, as well as the positive role this significant building plays in raising the quality of the public realm within Luton.”

The Waterside Campus for the University of Northampton is taking shape and the refurbishment of the listed Engine Shed is nearly complete. The Grade 2 listed former engine shed will house a new on campus ‘home’ for the Student Union incorporating clubs, societies, cafe and as a pastoral and social hub for students.

As the project is nearing completion, the MCW team visited the Stapleford Granary site. Completing in the next weeks, the project showcases intricate detailing and an exciting upgrade to this exceptional arts venue.

Luton | 11 April 2018

The University of Bedfordshire’s new library has been shortlisted for a RIBA East Award. 

Bedfordshire’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Donald Harley, said: “We are delighted that our new library has been shortlisted for this award. The building is a fantastic addition to our campus as we continue to invest in our facilities to give our students the best possible experience. The University is absolutely committed to and focused on improving the student experience, providing a platform for the student voice and encouraging co-creation and collaboration between students and staff.  We are proud that this new library gives our students a place to work, to meet, to reflect and at times relax.”

The RIBA East 2018 Awards Ceremony will take place in Cambridge on Thursday 24 May.

Northampton | 11 March 2018

The MCW team visits the £330m Waterside Campus for UoN. Opening to students in September this year it will be the culmination of seven years of planning and delivery. As master planner, MCW have led the design of the new campus since 2011 and designed and delivered projects include:

Learning Hub
Student Centre
Energy Centre
Pedestrian Bridge
Road Bridge
Sports Hub

Cambridge | March 2018

The construction work at the Stapleford Granary Arts Venue is nearing its completion in spring 2018.

The ACE foundation will be holding a series of events in the new venue once complete: https://staplefordgranary.org.uk/whats-on.aspx

Bury St Edmunds | 7 February 2018

Over 200 students at King Edward VI School in Bury were given a taster of working life at a careers carousel event on 7th February. As part of the event, MCW associate Angus Barnard gave insights into working as an architect. The Year 10s took part in the event, which saw different employers give presentations and advice on what it took to work with them in the future. 

Picture Mark Westley

Cambridge | 18 January 2018

MCW architects are celebrating their 7th anniversary today. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for their support; our staff for their hard work and enthusiasm; and all of our consultants for their valued input in creating inspiring places to learn, work and live in.

Cambridge | 16 January 2018

MCW’s designs for the development of Adkins Corner in Cambridge have received planning permission. The proposed development upgrades and refurbishes the current residential and commercial building, removes unsightly ad hoc additions to the rear of the complex that have been made over the years, and adds new contemporary residential units in their place.

Cambridge | 10 January 2018

We are delighted to announce the promotion of Paula Mejia-Wright to Associate with immediate effect. The promotion reflects her dedication and professionalism on a wide variety of our projects and is a recognition of her ongoing contribution to the success of our studio.

Paula joined MCW as one of our first staff in 2011 and she has played a leading role in a number of our major projects including the Masterplan for Cardiff University, Newcastle University Student Accommodation, Bucks New University Estate Strategy 2024, and the University of Bedfordshire New Library in Luton. She is currently working on the arts venue at Stapleford Granary and a masterplan for the University of Hertfordshire.

Northampton | 03 January 2018

We are looking forward to an exciting 2018 with the opening of the new £330m Waterside Campus for the University of Northampton. MCW has been responsible for the masterplan since 2011 and has led the design teams delivering four of the new campus buildings - the Learning Hub, Engine Shed, Sports Zone and Energy Centre – in addition to a new road bridge and pedestrian bridge. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the University and wider project team to ensure a successful opening in September.