WORK on a multi-million pound upgrade of facilities at the University of Hertfordshire is about to begin.

It was revealed this week that construction and infrastructure firm Morgan Sindall has won the �15.8m contract to redevelop and upgrade facilities at the university.

The development will include the construction of a new two-storey student services building and a new main reception area and learning zone at the Hatfield-based university’s College Lane campus.

The scheme, which was granted planning permission in August, will also include the refurbishment of existing buildings at the campus.

The new building will be “a sleek, glass-clad multi-use development” which will house various facilities aimed at enhancing the student experience, including a student and learning zone, support services, enrolment, administration offices, and a coffee bar.

The project is part of the University of Hertfordshire’s ‘2020 Estates Vision’ redevelopment plan which will aims to transform the university’s College Lane and de Havilland Campuses.

Andrew May, from the University of Hertfordshire said: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall which has a wide range of experience in working on projects of this scale.

“The work that they will be doing is central to our redevelopment plan as it will further enhance the experience that our students, staff and visitors have when they are on campus.”

The green new-build development is designed to achieve a BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘Excellent’ rating.

The building will include several water-saving features and a sustainable ‘green roof’, which will be planted with sedum vegetation to absorb rainwater and provide insulation.

The refurbishment of the existing buildings will see them upgraded and remodelled internally, creating contemporary, open-plan learning and student union facilities.

The project is due to be completed in May 2014 and will see around 80 people working on site at the peak of construction.

Morgan Sindall area director, Bob Ensch, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the transformation of the College Lane campus.”