The government has received planning permission for a state-of-the-art new headquarters building for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading.
The 12,500 sq m new headquarters, which has been funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will be developed by the Government Property Agency’s delivery partners AtkinsRéalis and Mace.
The facility will house up to 300 scientists and staff and will support the use of the latest advances made in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis to improve forecasts.
Alex Burghart, parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “Ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of the global science and technology sector is essential to delivering long-term economic growth and security across the country. Reading is the ideal location for this new headquarters, perfectly positioned to access the University’s strong talent pipeline and create fantastic new opportunities for the next generation.”
Clive Anderson, director of capital projects at the Government Property Agency, added: “We are delighted to achieve planning permission to develop this new facility, which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient headquarters for ECMWF’s forecasting, research and training functions, retaining a world-leading scientific organisation and attracting long-term investment into the region. It’s another milestone for us at the Government Property Agency to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on supporting productivity and wellbeing.”
Construction of the new HQ building is scheduled to start towards the end of this year with completion expected in autumn 2026.
