Coventry University has recently opened their new Science and Health Building. The project is managed by AECOM and has recently opened its doors to students. The new £59 million pound facility includes hospital wards as well as an ambulance and operating theatre. Also available on the site is a running track that allows students exact replications of the environments that they would be expected to work in during their future careers.

AECOM worked on this project by providing services such as Project Management, Contract Administration and acting as a Construction, Design and Management Principle Designer throughout the design, procurement and construction of the new flagship facility. The construction has been awarded with the BREEAM Excellent, an amazing accolade for the new Science & Health Building.

There were a number of complexities faced during this construction project, and a range of challenges that AECOM has had to overcome. These challenges include coordinating and planning the specialist equipment as well as working to deliver the project on a site that was located in the city centre and had restricted access. Also featured as a part of the newly developed University building is a centralised Energy Centre connecting the four existing building to take into account.

The new facility is the only one of its kind that offer students the chance to train and care for patients at every stage of their medical experience, from paramedics arriving at the home to the following ambulance journey, the patient’s stay in hospital through to discharge and rehabilitation. The new facility incorporates into it two fully furnished terraced houses, one of which is fitted with assistive technology like adjustable kitchen units and a shower that can be controlled through a tablet.

It is vital that students are prepared for all of the challenges and situations that they will face during their careers, and such an innovative and advanced facility is bound to prepare the future Science and health workers.