Willmott Dixon has secured its third project for the University of Hertfordshire, a £5.45m contract to convert parts of the existing Forum building into a flagship lecture theatre with collaborative breakout areas, alongside creation of two new nightclubs.

The Forum’s reconfiguration is part of the university's 2030 Estates Vision to deliver ‘more flexible, innovative teaching and learning environments', and in the process modernise the University’s Student Union area to improve the student experience and provide a simpler supervisory regime for security staffing the night-time events. It was procured through Major Works England and Northern Ireland, part of the Scape National Construction framework.

The Forum’s conversion follows two schemes Willmott Dixon has completed for the University; the Enterprise Hub and more recently the Institute of Sport building. Reflecting a growing trend at universities, both projects delivered formal and informal areas to encourage collaboration and communication between students, staff and the business community.

The project is another example of Willmott Dixon’s track-record in the university sector. Other recently completed projects include the Student Life Building at Teesside University, Poole Gateway Building at Bournemouth University, creating the new Green Heart for University of Birmingham, Bath Spa University’s Locksbrook Road campus, Coventry University’s Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems and the Kennedy Building at the University of Kent.

Chris Tredget, managing director of Willmott Dixon in North London and the East, said:

“We are delighted to continue our work with the University of Hertfordshire to create these new facilities. Our experience in the education and university sectors has helped us provide spaces that will support students, staff and the wider community for generations to come. We’re excited to get started on the Forum building and look forward to delivering another successful project for the University.”

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said:

“The fact that Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver a third project for the university, reflects the collaborative mindset, the capability and the confidence that the team has evidenced to date.

“It’s clear that higher education facilities have needed to adapt to respond to the challenges of Covid-19. Important construction projects such as this will not only set the standard for future learning environments, but will also play a vital role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery. We’re extremely pleased to see the University of Hertfordshire utilising our framework again to accelerate its future potential.”