Kier construction has delivered a landmark new home for Derby International Business School with the completion of The Cavendish Building, a future-focused development located in the heart of Derby city centre.
The project was procured via the Major Works Framework, which we manage on behalf of contracting authority The Education Alliance, providing the University of Derby with a compliant and efficient route to market and enabling the appointment of an experienced delivery partner for this complex higher-education scheme.
Designed to support innovation, collaboration and applied learning, the seven-storey building plays a key role in strengthening the University’s presence within the city and supporting wider ambitions to attract students, academics and industry partners.
A best-in-class learning environment
The Cavendish Building has been designed to meet the evolving needs of modern business education. The facility includes a wide range of specialist teaching and learning spaces, including a creativity lab, finance lab with Bloomberg and London Stock Exchange Group terminals, a logistics lab, lecture theatres, technology-enabled classrooms and an immersive XR suite.
Together, these spaces provide a flexible and inspirational environment that supports applied learning, pioneering research and collaboration between academia and industry.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Derby said:
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the University as this landmark building will serve as a dynamic hub to drive innovation and shape a better future for society. Designed for applied learning and pioneering research, the new space will foster collaboration and empower industry and academic partnerships for impact across the globe.”
Sustainable design and efficient delivery
Sustainability was embedded throughout the design and construction of The Cavendish Building, supporting the University of Derby’s ambition to become carbon neutral.
Working collaboratively, Kier Construction delivered a scheme that utilised post-tensioned concrete slabs, saving 797 tonnes of concrete, alongside low-carbon materials, renewable energy sources and modern methods of construction to reduce embodied and operational carbon. As a result, 99.5% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
A complex central atrium featuring a striking floating steel staircase was delivered using prefabricated, offsite solutions, improving build quality, safety and programme certainty. A bespoke roof light structure enhances natural daylight and creates a strong focal point within the building.
Supporting local economies and social value
The project delivered significant social value outcomes, with £24.6 million spent with small and medium-sized local enterprises, supporting local supply chains and regional growth.
In addition, the project team delivered 502 apprenticeship weeks and completed 363 hours of volunteering and school engagement, helping to create a positive and lasting legacy for the local community.
A strategic step forward for the University
Now the most sustainable building on campus, The Cavendish Building provides a flagship civic presence within Derby city centre. Its distinctive external form reflects the city’s industrial heritage while establishing a contemporary landmark that integrates with surrounding University buildings.
The project demonstrates how the Major Works Framework can support higher-education institutions to deliver complex, high-value developments efficiently, while maintaining quality, sustainability and social value outcomes.
Tony Shenton, Regional Director, Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands said:
“Handing over this world-class business school was a major milestone that we are delighted to celebrate with the University of Derby. The Cavendish Building is cutting-edge, bespoke in its design and is a testament to Kier’s skills and experience in delivering modern and sustainable learning environments.”
Elliott Talbot, Senior Category Manager at Pagabo, added:
“The Cavendish Building is a strong example of how the Major Works Framework supports universities in delivering ambitious projects with confidence. By providing a compliant route to market and enabling early collaboration with experienced contractors like Kier, we’ve helped the University of Derby realise a landmark facility that will deliver long-term value for the city.”
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