Kier awarded business school contract

Kier has been appointed by the University of Derby to deliver a new business school in the heart of Derby city centre.

The development of Derby Business School kickstarts the University’s City Masterplan which aims to develop its footprint in the city and improve connectivity across its sites.

The new business school is 9317m2 and is planned to include a 233-seat auditorium, a stock market financial trading room, a creativity lab, an extended reality (XR) suite and a range of social collaborative study spaces and quiet contemplation areas. The school will also feature a café on the ground floor. The open design will provide air circulation and natural light.

The new building is projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030 and will provide a link between local businesses and the wider community. Two levels of the building will be open to the public, allowing students, academics, researchers and University staff to work alongside businesses co-located in the school as well as with the wider business community. This will support and nurture growth, knowledge exchange and idea generation.

Andrew Bevan, Interim Director of Estates at the University of Derby, said: “The development of the business school is a catalyst for the regeneration of our city hub site.

“I’m delighted that we have entered into a contract with Kier to deliver this landmark building, which is part of the University’s broader vision to expand its reach and reputation across the UK and globally.”

Colina Wright, CEO of the Union of Students at the University of Derby, added: “As a Union, we are delighted to be involved in this project and are both passionate and committed to ensuring the student voice is reflected throughout.

“We have been impressed with discussions about student involvement and wider conversations about giving back to the community through employment and internship opportunities as well as considerations for sustainability and city regeneration. I am motivated by what this project can do for the city but more importantly for our students, during their time at Derby and beyond. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the University and its partners as the project develops.”

Dan Doherty, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “The business school is a key strategic project in the University of Derby’s City Masterplan and it marks the first project we will deliver for the University.

“We have extensive experience in delivering first-class higher education buildings and have no doubt that this business school will hugely benefit students, staff and the local community.”

As part of the development, Kier will work with the University, local businesses and supply chain partners to create new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, 25 work experience placements and two graduate opportunities.

Kier has also committed to a minimum of 160 hours of charity and community volunteering and regular site tours for students, staff and the local community. 85% of the project spend will be within 40 miles of the development.