National Composite Centre for University of Bristol

Phase 2 of the National Composites Centre (NCC) formed a major expansion of one of the UK's flagship research and innovation facilities in advanced composites. The NCC's mission is to operate as an open-access national centre, enabling industry and academia to collaborate on world-leading innovation in composite materials, manufacturing processes, and their wider industrial adoption. The Phase 2 development strengthened this mission by significantly broadening the centre's technical capacity and its ability to support emerging sectors.

The project introduced a series of highly specialised facilities designed to accommodate a diverse range of research disciplines and industrial partners. These included large-scale assembly areas and advanced research environments capable of supporting activity across composites, bioengineering, photonics, and quantum technology, reflecting the growing cross-disciplinary nature of high?value manufacturing and materials science.

The expansion was delivered with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental performance, achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. This commitment to sustainable design was integrated alongside the technical and operational requirements of a facility housing heavy equipment, precision laboratories, and large-scale experimental rigs.

The project was procured under NEC Option A, requiring careful commercial management, clear risk allocation, and robust cost control to ensure the development progressed in line with programme, budget, and quality expectations.

The cost management services for NCC Phase 2 were undertaken by a member of our team during their previous employment. Responsibilities included developing cost plans for complex technical spaces, advising on procurement and contract strategy under NEC Option A, managing risk and change, and supporting the client in delivering a high-performance research facility with demanding operational, technical, and sustainability requirements.