Kier Group plc

03/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2026 10:27

Kier celebrates major project milestone at the University of Southampton

Kier has celebrated reaching the highest point of construction on the University of Southampton's flagship new teaching and learning building.

To mark the milestone, a steel-signing ceremony was held on site, attended by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, the Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor Pat Evemy, and the Students' Union President, Emma Brown.

The 15,000 sqm building - named B75 to celebrate 75 years since the University was granted a Royal Charter - will form part of the University's new North East Quadrant on its Highfield Campus.

Spanning five floors and built using a combination of steel and concrete frames, B75 will provide state-of-the-art academic and social spaces, whilst acting as the striking new gateway to the Highfield Campus.

Since breaking ground in 2025, the building has reached its full height, and the ongoing installation of bespoke pre-cast concrete panels offers the first glimpse of the what the facility will become.

Steve Topliss, operations director at Kier Construction Southern, said:

It is almost a year to the day since we broke the ground on this project and the transformation is testament to the expertise and collaboration of the entire project team. The impact of this project goes far beyond the new building. From apprentice opportunities and school visits, to regularly welcoming the University's Civil Engineering Society to site - we are proud of the positive legacy this project is having here in Southampton.

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton Professor Mark E. Smith said:

The North East Quadrant symbolises our dedication to creating innovative and inspiring learning environments for our current and futures students. We are committed to providing an outstanding experience and will continue to invest in our facilities to ensure teaching spaces meet the needs of our community. On the 75-year anniversary of being granted our Royal Charter, Building 75 stands as an enduring symbol of our history, our progress and our ambition.

Emma Brown, President of the University's Students' Union, said:

It has been exciting to see Building 75 take shape over the last 12 months. Seeing the University invest sends a clear message, students matter and their experience matters. The new social and study spaces are exactly what students need - a modern, sustainable hub that supports both academic goals and wellbeing.

This milestone celebration continues Kier's track record of delivering exceptional higher education projects across the country, including the University of Derby Business School and the University of Huddersfield National Health Innovation Campus.

Kier Group plc published this content on March 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 05, 2026 at 16:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]