SMART Centre, South Coast Institute of Technology

Client
Southampton Solent University
Contractor
Value
£6.5m
Completion Date
August 2025

–The Challenge

Transforming a tired 1960s Sir Christopher Cockerell Building into a state-of-the-art engineering and maritime technology centre required far more than a conventional refurbishment.

Early investigations uncovered a fragile roof structure with asbestos-containing components, rendering the original design unviable and requiring a fundamental rethink of the construction strategy.

The project also had to preserve the building’s operational marine tow tank, maintain critical live services feeding neighbouring university buildings and safely deliver major structural works within a live campus environment.

All of this had to be achieved without compromising programme, quality or safety, while creating a future-ready facility capable of supporting advanced engineering, robotics and maritime education for decades to come and in time for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

The Solution

Francis Construction adopted a collaborative, design-led approach that transformed a major project risk into an opportunity for innovation. Working closely with the client, consultants and specialist supply chain during the PCSA, the team fundamentally re-engineered the original solution by replacing the fragile roof with a modern flat roof system while retaining the existing structural frame.

This not only reduced embodied carbon and improved the building’s long-term performance, but also enhanced internal teaching spaces and enabled future renewable energy generation.

Through meticulous planning, phased construction, digital project management and early specialist contractor involvement, the team safely delivered a technically complex refurbishment while maintaining live university operations and achieving programme certainty.

The Results

The SMART Centre stands as a flagship example of how collaborative refurbishment can deliver exceptional environmental, educational and social value.

The project successfully transformed a 60-year-old engineering building into a future-ready centre of excellence, providing over 2,000m² of world-class laboratories and workshops while retaining the original steel structure and reducing embodied carbon by up to 75%.

The project exceeded the client’s sustainability aspirations by achieving SKA Silver, supported the local economy through significant regional supply chain investment, and was delivered with 64,140 hours worked, zero RIDDOR incidents and zero lost-time accidents.

Completed in time for the 2025/26 academic year and officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, the SMART Centre is now helping to develop the next generation of engineers, maritime professionals and innovators, leaving a lasting legacy for Southampton Solent University and the wider South Coast region.

75%

Reduction in Embodied Carbon

£3.2m (approximately 66%)

Spent with Hampshire-Based Local Supply Chain Partners

80%

Locally Sourced Materials

64,140 hours

Zero RIDDOR Incidents and Zero Lost-Time Accidents

Apprentices and Provided Live Site Visits for Construction Management Students

Achieved SKA Silver

Good Practice Measures

Completed in time for the 25–26

Completion

Client Testimonials

“Dear Team,

I just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you for all the hard work you’re putting into the South Coast Institute of Technology building at Southampton Solent University.

I recently undertook a walk around the site, and it is coming along superbly, thank you.

What you’re creating isn’t just a new building, it’s a place where many students will develop the skills and knowledge, they need to make a real difference in the maritime, engineering, and technology industries right here on the South Coast. The work you’re doing now is shaping the future of both our students and the local community, and I can’t thank you enough for that.

This project hasn’t been without its challenges, but through your hard work, problem-solving, and teamwork, you’ve tackled each one head-on. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of the site or adjusting to unforeseen hurdles, your attitude, resilience and expertise are what keep this project moving forward smoothly.

We’re excited about what this facility will mean for our students and the positive impact it will have on the local economy. I’m confident that with your help, we’ll deliver something truly special that will benefit students, industry, and the community for many years to come.

Thank you again for everything you’re doing. It’s really appreciated.”

Matt Johnson BA, MSc, PGCLTHE, SFHEADirector, South Coast Institute of Technology

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Contractor Performance | Commitments

Legacy

SMART Centre strengthens the regional engineering and maritime skills pipeline

Supporting the South Coast Institute of Technology

Apprenticeships and student engagement

Sustainability

Retained primary structure

Reduced embodied carbon by up to 75%

Future-ready roof for PVs, SKA Silver

Safe

64,140 hours worked with zero RIDDORs and zero lost-time accidents

Phased roof replacement

Crash decks

Segregated live campus access

Fair

Collaborative two-stage procurement

Open-book cost planning

Early supply-chain engagement

Prompt payment practices

Aftercare

Digital handover through Procore providing a single source of truth with QA records

Drawings and asset information