The University of Wolverhampton have been named as one of just 4 finalists in the Client of the Year category in the 2021 AJ100 Awards from the Architects Journal. The nomination reflects their desire to redevelop the former Springfield Brewery a brownfield site deemed “undevelopable”.

We have enjoyed working with the University of Wolverhampton for over a decade and have developed a long-standing relationship with the institution. 2020 saw the culmination of two important projects, as well as the commencement of another important phase in their aim to create Europe’s largest specialist construction and built environment campus at a cost of over £120 million. The first project referenced above is the new School of Architecture and Built Environment (SOABE) which has acted as live case study for the school’s students involving the coordination of a new build with a listed building, delivered to a tight deadline. It is located on the site of the Grade II listed former Springfield Brewery – a site that was in steady decline, blighted by contamination, home to challenging ground conditions, suffering failed attempts at residential conversion and several fires. The site had become a highly visible symbol of said decline in the city: in short, it was yet another undevelopable brownfield site.

The University however saw an opportunity to manifest their vision of creating Europe’s largest specialist construction and built environment campus, within a unique historical environment. It will act as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration, tailored to creating jobs and delivering the technical and professional experts required by the industry and we have been delighted to support them in working towards achieving their aim.