The Midlands contractor has successfully completed construction of the new building at Jubilee Campus, marking the delivery of a landmark facility that will support the development and testing of next-generation clean propulsion technologies.
Completed this spring, the facility has been designed to enable research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for transport and power generation, helping to advance the UK鈥檚 transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
The specialist laboratory features cryogenic capabilities and environmental chambers suitable for altitude testing, enabling the safe high-power testing of propulsion systems using gaseous hybrid, ammonia and other green fuels.
The facility will support research and innovation across a range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, marine and power generation, and is connected to the megawatt-class physical testing capabilities of the adjacent Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC).
The project involved the construction of a state-of-the-art steel-frame building with metal cladding, designed to complement surrounding campus facilities. The building incorporates high-performance acoustic doors to manage operational noise levels and integrated photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate renewable energy on site, supporting the project's sustainability objectives and BREEAM 鈥榁ery Good鈥� rating.
The project was funded through round seven of Research England鈥檚 flagship UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), East Midlands Freeport, industry partners and the university, supporting the creation of a world-class research environment for the development of future propulsion systems and green fuel technologies.
Throughout the programme, G F Tomlinson worked closely with the University of Nottingham and local stakeholders to deliver a range of social value initiatives that benefited students, staff and the wider community. These included 50 apprentice weeks on site, whilst also providing work placements for two local college students, who shadowed the site management, surveying and design teams.
Guided tours and presentations were provided for Civil Engineering and Architecture students from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University to further enhance their construction and design knowledge and help support their studies.
The project also supported the local economy through the use of regional supply chain partners, with 97% of project spend within a 40 mile radius of site and 99% SME engagement. 100% of site waste was diverted from landfill and over 1,300 miles were made using low emission vehicles.