The new university technical college, set to open in autumn 2014, is sponsored by Oxford Brookes University with corporate partner Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, along with Swindon College and Swindon Borough Council.
The proposed site, which is still waiting for planning permission and government approval, is a former Great Western Rail school among the town's historic railway works. The old school building, mill and fire station will be retained and incorporated as part of the new college. An old water tower will also be restored.
It is anticipated that building work will begin in the autumn of 2013.
BAM and its design team are working with English Heritage and the Mechanics’ Institution Trust to ensure the new-build elements blend with the historic structures.
Oxford Brookes University pro vice-chancellor Paul Inman said: “BAM are a leading construction company because of their creative approach towards design and sustainability. Their design work for the UTC buildings is both refreshingly innovative and complementary to the engineering heritage of the former rail works.”
Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells engineering manager Simon Peet added: “The next project priority is to finalise the design with BAM Construction and in parallel progress with the planning and English Heritage approval, before the capital funding approval in the summer.”
BAM Construction senior design manager Pat Griffin said: “UTC Swindon sponsors chose a site rich in education and industrial heritage for a reason. This project is a perfect opportunity to revitalise the proposed site’s historic relevance and BAM is thrilled that its proposed design for UTC Swindon has been chosen.
“We will use our skills and experience in delivering what we hope will become an iconic building for Swindon to advance its opportunities.”
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