July Site Updates - NMITE Centre for Innovation and Future Skills

Excellent progress has been made on site over the past few weeks, with the building now entering the final stages of completion.

Externally, the metal flashings around the doors and windows have now been installed, enabling the clay tile cladding to be completed across the façades. This has significantly enhanced the appearance of the building, with the materials beginning to come together as originally envisioned.

Landscape works have also advanced well. A large proportion of the paving has now been laid, helping to define the external spaces and circulation routes around the site. Topsoil is due to be placed later this week, preparing the planting areas for the next phase of works. However, given the current period of exceptionally hot and dry weather, the decision has been made to defer the planting of trees and shrubs until after Practical Completion. This will give the new planting the best possible chance of successful establishment and avoid unnecessary stress during the current heatwave.

As the project nears completion, it is increasingly evident how well the new building sits alongside the original Edwardian structure. The relationship between the old and new elements feels carefully balanced, while the spaces formed between the building masses have created a series of intimate, sheltered areas that will provide quiet and shaded places for rest and reflection.

Internally, the spaces are now substantially complete, with the carpet tiles installed throughout. The remaining works are largely limited to final cleaning and the commissioning of the mechanical and electrical systems.

With the finish line now in sight, excitement is building as we look forward to seeing the furniture installed and the building fully occupied. Even in its current state, the completed spaces already feel fresh, focused and inspiring, offering a welcoming environment that we can’t wait to share with the wider Herefordshire community!