The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Mace to
deliver the new European Centre for Medium-Range Weather
Forecasts headquarters in Reading.
Global delivery consultant and construction expert Mace has been
appointed by the Government Property Agency (GPA) as the main
contractor for its new cutting-edge weather centre.
The new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range
Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), located on the University of Reading's
Whiteknights campus, is set to become a global hub for weather
and climate research.
Mace was appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS)
framework to deliver the state-of-the-art building alongside the
GPA's multidisciplinary consultant, AtkinsRéalis.
The new highly sustainable headquarters will feature a range of
advanced facilities, including workspaces and meeting rooms, a
lecture theatre, council chamber, and an interactive weather
room. The building's design incorporates numerous carbon
reduction strategies, such as optimised solar shading and
energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, aligning with
the 2030 LETI (Low Energy Transformation Initiative) standards
for operational energy.
Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA,
said:
The new ECMWF headquarters will not only advance capabilities in
weather and climate research but also bring significant benefits
to the local community. By prioritising both embodied and
operational carbon reductions, this project exemplifies our
commitment to both sustainable development and scientific
innovation.
Located next to the University of Reading's renowned Department
of Meteorology, the new ECMWF headquarters will accommodate up to
300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all
aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production, and
research into climate change.
Rob Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences,
Construction, UK at Mace, added:
This new state-of-the-art weather centre will be a global hub for
scientists to advance numerical weather prediction and inform the
fight against climate change. Our focus on sustainability and
innovation for this project will help the new headquarters meet
the highest environmental standards.
Every design decision has been driven by our commitment to
reducing carbon emissions, in both operational and embodied
carbon. This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a
more sustainable future.
Construction is set to begin in early 2025 and the building is
expected to be completed by early 2027.
