University of Essex bosses celebrate office construction

The 41,571 sq. ft office is based in the Parkside office development on the university’s Knowledge Gateway research and development park.

It is the largest headquarters style office currently under construction in the eastern region and will be ready to occupy later in the year.

University registrar Bryn Morris and contractor R G Carter were joined by several local bodies to mark the core structure’s completion.

This included representatives from Colchester Council, Tendring Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership and Essex County Council.

Inside the new office building on the University of Essex site (Image: Steve Brading)

Mr Morris said: “We’re seeing increasing demand for office space at our Knowledge Gateway research and technology park with a string of new tenants moving into our existing Parkside offices since the beginning of the year and the business community at the Innovation Centre continuing to expand. 

“I am delighted to celebrate the progress we are making on this landmark building which will allow us to accommodate growing demand for office space on the Knowledge Gateway. 

left to right R J Carter Project Manager John Turpin, University of Essex Registrar Bryn Morris and R J Carter Senior Contracts Manager Ian Powell with representatives from Colchester City Council, Tendring District Council, Wivenhoe Town (Image: Steve Brading)

“We are looking to forge strong links with companies joining our Parkside community.

“They benefit from being able to connect with our research community, student and graduate talent, wider business network, business support programmes and of course quick access to our on-campus facilities including our award-wining parkland. 

”I’m really pleased our partners joined this topping-out celebration as our university is committed to working with them to drive economic growth in the region.” 

Bryn Morris performs traditional topping out ceremony by splashing champagne on the roof of the new Parkside building (Image: Steve Brading)

 The ground floor will be home to the University’s Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing.

The rest of the building will be aimed at commercial tenants.

John Turpin, project manager at R G Carter, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone in the construction of this innovative office development at the University of Essex. 

“We very much enjoy a traditional style R G Carter topping out; it’s a great way to celebrate and thank everyone that has been involved with the build so far.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact the project will have in supporting future local businesses and wider economic growth on completion.”