The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has appointed Mace as main contractor for the extension and part refurbishment of the Vulcan Laser Facility on the Harwell Campus in Oxford.
The Mace construct team will carry out the design, buildability, construction, programme and planning services for the redevelopment, which will significantly enhance the research capabilities of the existing Central Laser Facility (CLF).
The facility will house the most powerful laser in the world – the new Vulcan 20-20 – and help scientists working on a range of different projects including nuclear fusion, new renewable energy sources and the study of electromagnetic fields.
Mace will lead on the installation of two 7m tall targeting bunkers, with walls and soffits up to 2m thick, which are made from a specialised radiation-resistant concrete mixture that can shield beams a billion times hotter than the brightest sunlight.
Terry Spraggett, managing director public sector construction at Mace, said: “We are thrilled to once again be working on such an exciting and important project for the STFC. I am proud that together with our partners we will play a part in delivering a project that will push the boundaries of science and research – enabling some of the key scientific breakthroughs of our time.”
The project team for the redevelopment comprises Fairhurst Design Group (architect), Glanville (civil and structural engineers), Hoare Lea (mechanical and electrical engineering), BB7 (fire engineering) and RSK (acoustic engineering).
