Weekly News
Contractor appointed for Reading weather centre
The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Mace 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 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.
Construction is set to begin in the coming months, with the building expected to be completed by early 2027.