The Enterprise Centre, RHUL

Location
Egham, Surrey
Client
Royal Holloway, University of London
Completion
2021
Size
2,900m2

A regional centre of excellence for cyber security and big data

The Enterprise Centre brings together the Institute for Cyber Security Innovation (ICSI), Research and Enterprise Professional Services Unit and Student Enterprise.

This high-quality research and teaching facility will be the go-to place in the EM3 region (focused along the M3 corridor) for companies wanting to collaborate with the University or needing assistance in developing, testing or validating security products and services.

Sat within the boundary of the existing Egham Campus along the A30,  the contemporary building will create a strong, unifying identity for the different departments and strengthen the character of this part of the campus.

The striking, faceted silver façade with strong linear features takes inspiration from digital technology and alludes to the building’s use.

The large entrance feature will provide views into the building, giving indication of activity within. Whilst the ordered pattern of the windows will support the client’s requirements for privacy.

Building facilities will include:

  • A large, open plan, adapatable specialist lab space to encourage creative research.
  • Open plan office spaces to promote an easy exchange of desk-based research.
  • Incubation units will encourage spin-outs from the University.
  • A large seminar ‘war’ room containing a 9m wide screen to showcase the cyber security research.

The building design developed through a series of stakeholder engagement workshops involving university staff and the different building users. This collaborative approach gave the client and design team confidence in their decisions and ensured the brief requirements and needs of the multiple departments were met.

The Stride Treglown team has been pro-active and very responsive when engaging with us during the design development process. They designed to budget and recently secured planning approval for this innovative BREEAM ‘Excellent’ scheme. Their positive collaborative attitude has helped resolve design challenges and build a positive and pro-active relationship with the client representatives and stakeholders.

Mike Berry, Director of Estates, Royal Holloway, University of London

The principle of development on this site was established in our 20 year masterplan for the campus and received outline planning permission in 2015.