GRAHAM has been appointed to build the University of East London’s (UEL) £45 million New Academic Building, a central component of the emerging Stratford Health Campus and the university’s largest capital investment to date.

Following a competitive procurement process, the contractor was selected for its experience in delivering complex, sustainable buildings within the higher education and healthcare sectors. The project represents a key milestone in UEL’s Vision 2028 strategy, which aims to improve health outcomes and expand career opportunities in East London.

The New Academic Building will provide specialist teaching, learning, and research facilities for medical and healthcare education. Subject to General Medical Council (GMC) approval, the building will support UEL’s plans to introduce medical training to its programme portfolio, further reinforcing its commitment to addressing regional health workforce shortages.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the building due for completion by summer 2027, in time for the new academic year. The facility is designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, reflecting UEL’s ambition to set new standards in sustainable university estate development.

Sustainability measures include the use of cross-laminated timber, renewable energy integration, low-carbon materials, and circular economy principles. Intelligent building systems will further reduce emissions and operational energy use, aligning with UEL’s goal of creating a net-zero carbon campus.

Liam O’Dell, Director of Estates and Facilities at UEL, described the project as “the most significant development on our campuses,” and said it would “set a new benchmark for healthcare education – providing an inspiring and inclusive space for our students, staff, and partners.”

The new facility forms part of a wider £170 million redevelopment of UEL’s Stratford campus. It is expected to play a pivotal role in connecting education and research with the broader healthcare and community infrastructure across East London.

Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, added: “UEL’s new academic building will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support the University’s healthcare and medical education ambitions and be an exemplar of sustainable campus design.”