Working closely alongside main contractor Bouygues UK, JP Concrete are supplying 24 6m high concrete panels for the Hub, which together with the new school is designed to provide accommodation to support the creation and growth of innovation-led businesses.

“Working on a split-level site is always awkward”, said Mike McCormick, Operations Director for Bouygues UK, “and the installation presents many challenges because the wings of the retaining wall go right up to a footpath that has to be held up during temporary works.

“Late design changes meant lots of foundations were required, which wasn’t originally anticipated.  This is a test for us to keep everything on track for the University at a crucial stage – and means that JP Concrete have to be very flexible indeed”.

The first retaining wall design for the Smart Innovation Hub was to be cast in-situ, but after consultation with its client, Bouygues’ proposal for a quicker, value engineering solution was chosen.

McCormick added: “This installation is demanding at times, but overall, we’re very impressed with the team at JP Concrete, who are determined to deliver a quality job, no matter what”.