The Nigel Bertram Centre at the National Pig Centre

University opens National Pig Centre in Yorkshire

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Precision nutrition and 24-hour monitoring will enable scientists to provide new insights for the pig industry, as the University of Leeds opens the National Pig Centre.

Scientists from a range of disciplines at the University will use new state-of-the-art facilities to help improve the sustainability and efficiency of pig production.

Supported by more than £11 million investment, the facilities make Yorkshire one of the best places in Europe for pig research.

The National Pig Centre will be a leading research facility for pig nutrition, behaviour, health and production system research – all themes identified by the livestock industry as central to improving quality, productivity and future competitiveness.

Professor Lisa Collins, academic lead for the PigSustain project and Head of the University of Leeds’ School of Biology, said: “This new centre allows us to expand our work to improve the welfare of pigs, and the sustainability of the British pig industry.

“Our aim is to lower the environmental footprint of pig farming whilst ensuring that high welfare standards are maintained.”

Ribbon being cut at the opening of the National Pig Centre

The new centre will benefit from academic expertise drawn from across a range of disciplines including nutrition, health, behaviour and fertility, as well as computer vision, engineering, soil and water sciences, data analytics, and atmospheric and climate science.

It has been launched in partnership with CIEL (Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock). CIEL has invested £4.5 million with funding from Innovate UK, the UK’s Innovation Agency.

The investment includes a three-fold increase in the previous capacity of the farm, from 200 to 660 sows, – ensuring the research carried out better represents commercial pig farming. Of these, 220 will live outdoors.

The combination of an outdoor sow unit with an indoor system is unique in Europe, enabling direct comparison of the different rearing systems.

Academics will work to identify the key factors contributing to pig farming’s environmental footprint, and attempt to find alternatives that could drive down the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Their findings will help the UK achieve the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the whole of agriculture in England and Wales by 2040.

The centre’s indoor facility includes the ability to perform in-depth, automated nutrition trials to understand how best to feed and manage pigs at all stages of production. By harnessing precision nutrition, based on individual requirements, the aim is to reduce the cost of production, improve feed efficiency and reduce the environment impact of pig farming.

Researchers will also be able to make feed recommendations which keep pace with ongoing genetic improvements to pigs.

Tour of the National Pig Centre at the opening event

The indoor facility is equipped with CCTV throughout, permitting round the clock observations of individual pig’s behaviour at all stages of production. Researchers will utilise computer vision to automate data collection from the video footage, so behaviour and nutrition can be monitored at the individual pig level.

Students from across the University will have the opportunity to study at the National Pig Centre as part of their degrees, and some will have chance to contribute to research projects taking place at the farm.

Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: “Leeds is proud to be working in a number of ways at home and internationally to improve food security and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

The National Pig Centre will provide a key national resource for industry to work in partnership with the University to develop innovative and practical solutions that make a positive contribution to the economy, environment and society.

We are hugely grateful for the strong support we have received from CIEL and Nigel Bertram, and the leading edge work of Helen Miller, our Professor of Animal Bioscience, in developing this facility.”

The facility has also been supported by a generous donation from University of Leeds alumnus Nigel Bertram.

Named in his honour, the Nigel Bertram Visitor Centre features conference and meeting facilities, offices and a live CCTV feed from the indoor pig unit.

Collaborating with industry

Centrally located in the UK, the National Pig Centre will promote engagement, discussion and collaboration between researchers and industry. The University and CIEL will work together to drive this process.

A membership organisation, CIEL works with businesses across the livestock supply chain to identify & develop their research needs and build relevant collaborations to deliver new technologies and processes that address key challenges facing the sector.

“We’re very proud to work with Leeds and develop this first for the pig and pork industry,” said Lyndsay Chapman, CIEL’s Chief Executive. “It provides unique research capability on a commercially relevant scale and complements the investments we’ve made across the CIEL network. Through our nationwide collaborative alliance, we’re working to ensure industry has access to the very best expertise in this field of research.”

Tackling challenges in food security

Projects at the National Pig Centre will help tackle some of the current challenges in pig production including:

  • Nutrition: developing precision feeding for livestock to improve sustainability and productivity and study the effects of nutrition on welfare and behaviour
  • Anti-microbial resistance: developing healthier pigs with more robust gut health and improved resistance to disease, thereby reducing antibiotic use
  • Production systems: improving efficiency of production and identifying better ways to feed and manage pigs
  • Monitoring pig behaviour and developing algorithms to allow early detection of health conditions

The National Pig Centre is one of the University facilities that will help deliver the goals of the Global Food and Environment Institute (GFEI), which aims to address the challenge of feeding the world whilst protecting natural resources.

This work aligns closely to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly to end hunger, achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture.

As well as the pig farm, GFEI is also carrying out research projects in arable farming, urban food consumption and health, food security in the Global South, and international food supply chains.

Representatives from the University, BAM and architect design team at the Bragg project event

University’s new building reaches its summit

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The construction of the new Sir William Henry Bragg building at the University of Leeds celebrated a milestone today, as the building reached its tallest point.

To mark the occasion a special “Topping Out” event took place. University colleagues were joined by representatives from main contractor BAM Construction and architect design team ADP, BAM Design, Arcadis, Gardiner & Theobald, ARUP and Silcock Leedham.

Colleagues watched as the building’s plant room was lifted onto the roof, forming the highest point of the new building. The plant for this technologically advanced new building is complex, and BAM has assembled the plant room off-site in a factory environment, with the support of local Leeds company Waites Mechanical Services, saving time and cost on the project.

Set to open its doors to students in 2021, the new building represents a significant investment by the University in a new integrated campus for Engineering and Physical Sciences. The facility will include first-class laboratory and specialised teaching spaces, enabling cutting-edge research, and outstanding student experience, whilst enhancing the University’s research power and strengthening collaboration with industry.

Steve Gilley, Director of Estates and Facilities said:

“I’d like to thank all of our partners who have contributed to this flagship project to date. It’s important to mark key milestones, and recognise the importance of the expertise from extended project teams, to ensure the successful construction of this new facility.”

For BAM Construction, John Phillips said:

“Topping out is a centuries old tradition, and this year BAM is 150 years old, while the University’s origins date back to a similar time, to 1874. Today we are both known for being leaders in modern technology. The University is looking to the future, and BAM are delighted to be helping them to create facilities for the next generations of students and academics.”

Joe Morgan, Director, ADP said:

“This project was conceived in 2015 as a critical component of the strategic masterplan, to create a collaborative hub for computing and physical sciences. The building champions the need to address tomorrow’s challenges whilst minimising its impact on the environment, so it is appropriate that one of the components designed to make this building so highly energy efficient should be lowered into place as part of the ‘topping out’ celebration.”

Ian Aldous, Director, Arcadis said:

The scale of this project – from the stakeholder engagement through to the design solution and delivery – has been immense and everyone involved has been on a real journey. As such, to see the critical milestone being reached is hugely satisfying for all involved, and a testimony to the dedication of all parties to the future vision.

Colleagues watch as the plant room is craned to the roof of the Sir William Henry Bragg Building project

 

Learn more about the Cloberry Street Building project

Work begins on new teaching facility

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Colleagues have come together to mark the start of work on a new teaching facility on Lyddon Terrace.

Representatives from Estates, Leeds University Business School and the School of Law joined the contractor BAM construction and architects DLA Architecture to mark this important construction milestone.

LUBS Ground Breaking

Richard Gaughan, Gardiner & Theobald LLP; Kevin Pollard, BAM; Craig Reed, Director of DLA Architecture; Professor Nicholas Scott, Leeds University Business School; Professor Julia Bennell, Leeds University Business School; Steve Gilley, Estates and Facilities Services; Dennis Hopper, Director of Campus Developments; Mitali Agrawal, Leeds University Business School; Ben Walker, Gardiner & Theobald LLP; Mark Sanderson, BAM

The investment, on Lyddon Terrace, will create a new central teaching facility which will also house space for the Business School and the School of Law.  It is proposed that prominent features of the building will include a new Trading Room, flexible teaching areas and Behavioural Laboratories to provide more flexible and innovative ways of teaching.

Steve Gilley, Director of Estates and Facilities said: “This new building is contributing to the University’s wider ambition to create an environment that promotes learning, innovation and enterprise. It will provide technology-rich, flexible teaching spaces, lecture theatres and trading rooms, further advancing the delivery of world-class teaching solutions.”

Professor Julia Bennell, Dean of Leeds University Business School, said: “It is wonderful to mark the beginning of the construction of this new state-of-the-art teaching facility. I am grateful to the many Business School colleagues and Leeds University Union (LUU) students who contributed to designing what will be a world class student-centred learning environment. These new facilities will further enhance our reputation as a leading Business School.

Mitali Agrawal, a Business School Student Representative for the Marketing division said: “This important investment in the new building is testament to the dedication and commitment of the Business School in enhancing its students’ learning experiences here at the University.”

BAM construction director, Kelvin Pollard, said: “It is fantastic to be building another world-class teaching facility at the University of Leeds, where we are already on site delivering the Sir William Henry Bragg building. We have well-established, strong working relationships with the University and this is an excellent basis to work from.”

Click here for more information about this project.

Parkinson Building main entrance with accessible lift

The Parkinson Building is now fully accessible

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The Parkinson Building our most iconic building on campus, has elevated its profile following the completion of work to install a lift at the main entrance of the building.

Following a detailed scheme of improvement works, which has included the installation of the lift alongside the upgrading of the steps and handrails, together, for the first time in history, the University has made it possible for all visitors, students and staff to enter Parkinson Building using the main entrance.

Len Wilson, Deputy Director of Estates commented: “The University makes every effort to improve accessibility across campus. The Parkinson steps have been an iconic gateway to the University since its opening in 1951. Although a major focal point for student and visitor gatherings, the steps have been one of the most inaccessible parts of campus. The University has been keen to address this and ensure all visitors, students and staff are able to enter this iconic building via the same entrance, have the same experience and be equally inspired.”

The Parkinson Building with the new accessible lift

The University is made up of a community of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset. As part of our continued commitment to equality and inclusion, we strive to create an environment where everyone can access our campus, have an opportunity to participate in and contribute to our activities allowing everyone to reach their full potential.

Sabiha Patel, Head of Equality and Inclusion, commented: “I am grateful to the University and delighted with this development to Parkinson Building.  Full access to our buildings is an essential first step to inclusion.   Everyone should now be able to enter the building easily and take advantage of all the opportunities it affords.”

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Director of Estates and Facilities collecting the award for Design Excellence at the Yorkshire Insider Property Industry Awards 2019. Photograph taken by Nick Freeman, 246Photography.

Design excellence award for Nexus

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Nexus has been recognised for its design excellence at the Yorkshire Insider Property Industry Awards 2019.

The annual awards celebrate the major deals and developments from across the region as well as the teams of planners, lawyers and architects that made them possible.

Designed by Associated Architects on behalf of the University, the award judges’ comments included: “The £38m Nexus project represents an investment in building relationships between the private sector and academia, and there has already been a good take-up of office space.”

Steve Gilley, Director of Estates and Facilities commented: “Every construction project presents different challenges for us. We aim to provide buildings which offer solutions to new ways of working for our students, staff and business partners. Taking these ideas and developing our requirements into a well-designed building is the task we set our external architects and consultants. I’m grateful for the great partnership with Associated Architects, who have been behind Nexus, and am delighted their work has been acknowledged at these prestigious regional property awards.

James Hall, Director of Associated Architects commented: “We have really enjoyed working on this project and are pleased it has been recognised. A strong ambition to set new standards by the University has enabled us to develop an innovative building that responds to this challenging location and provides a new University ‘front door’.

For more information read about the construction of Nexus and find out more about the work of Nexus.

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Creating inspiring and engaging spaces

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The Design Office has recently completed the Maurice Keyworth refurbishment project. 

They worked with the Business School to create an inspiring and engaging study space for students to work in a variety of different ways. The space has been divided into zones using furniture solutions that encourage collaborative group work as well as quiet areas for individual study and contemplation.

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LUBS Expansion: Clarendon Building update

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The Leeds Innovation Centre (LIC) is now the Clarendon Building.

The Sewell Group Construction has been working on the £2.7m upgrade to facilities that will further advance the provision of education facilities for students within Leeds University Business School.

So far, they’ve had 105 people inducted to the site and 400 metres of refrigeration pipework has been installed. New wall locations have been constructed across all floors forming the new room layouts. Mechanical and electrical works have progressed across all disciplines.
Structural door widening works have continued to all floors.

The Ground floor, which will be a computer cluster will be ready for use as the autumn term begins.

Over the next few weeks, Mechanical and electrical works will continue, floor finishes will commence and the external facade louvre installation will be completed.

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Technology and Research Facility

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Work is underway to seek full planning consent for the construction of buildings for Centre for Infrastructure Materials (CIM), Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration (IHSRSI)  on site at the Technology and Research Facility with work anticipated to commence on site this winter.

The University of Leeds’ Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration will revolutionise the way new railway systems are invented, developed and brought into service. It will be located next to the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone and forms the early phase of an ambitious plan involving local authorities and businesses to position the City Region as a UK centre for rail engineering which will generate jobs and inward investment.

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Brokk the Robot carrying out the demolition work within the Parkinson Building for the Language Centre project

Robots arrive on campus for our construction projects

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Innovative methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects on campus have recently been introduced with success.

A £5m investment to refurbish the Language Centre is currently underway, and as part of the delivery of this, we have been liaising with contractor Overbury to introduce automated technology; Brokk the demolition robot, and Baby Brokk a smaller version, to speed up the delivery of the project.

Brokk the Robot, was appointed to carry out demolition work within the building. There were a number of walls which required demolishing and a series of structural openings at Level 2 to create more daylight for the Language Centre. At one stage a smaller version, Baby Brokk was introduced to carry out additional work.

Brokk the Robot who is part of the demolition works on the Language Centre project

Robert Gale, Estates Project Manager said: “Using Brokk has brought some sizeable benefits to the refurbishment of the Language Centre project.  It has speeded up the demolition work as part of the refurbishment and the robotic technology has improved efficiency on repeatable tasks. Our contractor Overbury have successfully adopted this technology on other projects and proposed to incorporate it for this project.”

Josh Donnelly, Senior Project Manager at Overbury commented: “During the planning stage of the project, the use of Brokk on the project became an obvious decision. Using Brokk is beneficial from a health and safety perspective as it reduces manual labour and exposure to HAVs (hand-arm vibration syndrome) for our operatives. That alone made its use worthwhile.

“Secondly the walls here in the Parkinson Building, where the Language Centre is located, are over half a metre thick and constructed in robust brickwork. We think Brokk completed the demolition works around four times quicker than manual labour would have. As all noisy works were undertaken out of hours in the building, there was also a major time and cost benefit associated with using Brokk which we could bring to the University. It has been a real success of the project so far.”

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New Institute will develop future transport tech

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Funding has been agreed for cutting-edge experimental rail facility. On Wednesday 10 July, the Government confirmed funding to create one of the most advanced conventional and high-speed rail research facilities in the world, in Leeds.

The University of Leeds’ Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration will revolutionise the way new railway systems are invented, developed and brought into service.

It will be located next to the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone and forms the early phase of an ambitious plan involving local authorities and businesses to position the City Region as a UK centre for rail engineering which will generate jobs and inward investment.

At the heart of the Leeds’ Institute will be the capability to investigate rail systems as an integrated whole: measuring how train, track, power systems and signals interact as a unified system.

The cutting-edge facilities will result in research that will transform transport systems not only here in the UK but across the world.

The Government has contributed £11 million towards the capital costs of the project. A further £40 million has come from the University and rail industry partners, adding to £13 million from the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal.

Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, said: “Improving transport for people across the North remains our priority so it is fitting that the research facilities at the University of Leeds’ Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration, when developed, will revolutionise the transport system and benefit passengers by ensuring it is fit for the 21st century and beyond.

“Universities across the Northern Powerhouse have a strong tradition of being at the forefront of scientific research and innovation and that is why continued Government investment in our higher education institutions is so important.”

The Government’s support to the Leeds Institute has been allocated from the UK Research Partnership and Investment Fund (UKRPIF), administered by Research England to develop facilities that enable world-class research. Every £1 invested by the Government requires double – match funding from non-public sources such as business or charities.

Professor Lisa Roberts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “The real power of the Institute is that it has been designed with the rail industry, to help it address some of its big research questions. Working together with industry we will play a big role in future rail innovation.

“If you look at the Government’s Industrial Strategy, never before has it been so important for universities to work with business and industry and the UKRPIF scheme is truly catalysing those collaborations.”

The aim is for the Institute to become fully operational in 2021.

The Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration (IHSRSI) will be sited on the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone at Gateway 45, near junction 45 of the M1 motorway.

SIR PETER HENDY CBE, Chair of Network Rail, said: “This new testing facility will be one of the most advanced in the world and will revolutionise the UK’s approach to high speed rail system design and implementation.

“Not only will it reduce the number of issues we see on the operational railway, it will help to bring economic growth and jobs to the area for many years to come. Network Rail is keen to support this bold initiative by the University of Leeds.”

Watch the fly-through video to see what the Technolgy and Research Facility will look like.

Artist impression of the new Technology and Research Facility project

Advanced technology

At the heart of the Institute will be three cutting-edge test facilities:

Vehicle testing

The rig is based on the idea of a ‘rolling road’ – and has variable track geometry which can be programmed, so it can replicate any rail journey in the world and is capable of testing performance up to 400 km/hr. The facility will allow research into new traction systems, braking, new materials and ways of increasing energy efficiency. It will accurately test rail vehicle performance under real-world conditions.

Infrastructure testing

A second test facility will simulate the forces on track, ballast and support structures, such as embankments, for both conventional and high speeds trains up to 400 km/h. It will be built in an open field rather than a laboratory, allowing ground dynamics to be more accurately simulated.

System Integration and Innovation Centre

This centre introduces the capability to investigate train, track, power systems and signals as an integrated system, to investigate how changes to one part of that system interacts with another part. It will be able to analyse data from the vehicle and infrastructure testing rigs. The centre will, for example, allow investigations to be conducted into digital signalling, power systems and electro-magnetic interference.

Professor Peter Woodward, Head of the IHSRSI, said: “The Institute will revolutionise the testing, commissioning and building of new trains, rail infrastructure and systems, both in the UK and overseas.

“The test facilities will place the Leeds City Region as a global leader in high speed railway technology development, significantly enhancing the UK’s ability to develop, test and certify new railway technologies for the commercial export market.

“The capabilities of the test facilities are of global significance and I’m very grateful for the significant support we have received from all the companies and organisations that have helped us over the last two years.

“It’s a great time to be in rail, and with the new capability that the Institute represents, the UK’s railway future is looking very bright both for industry and for passengers.”

Meeting the challenge of integrating new rail systems – the view from industry

Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, said: “The Government’s commitment to deliver this final piece of funding for the Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration is a further sign of confidence in the economic benefits and boost to jobs and skills that high speed rail is delivering, not just for Leeds and the North of England, but for the UK as a whole.

“High Speed Two will operate between London and Birmingham in 2026, extending to Leeds in 2033, and this world-class rail research facility will be integral to the long term success of high speed rail in Britain.”

Bombardier Transportation designs and builds trains for the UK and further afield. Working with Hitachi, it has developed the Frecciarossa 1000 for the Italian rail network – the fastest and quietest high speed train in Europe.

Robert Davies, High Speed Train Bid Director at Bombardier Transportation, said: “The Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration will be a very significant addition to the UK’s rail capability, and we are already engaging with the institute on how we can use the facilities it will offer for the trains that we design and build in Britain.”

Boost for the Leeds City Region

The Leeds City Region economic growth plan says the Institute will act as a catalyst for investment in new transport technology companies and the wider rail industry. HS2 has already said that its eastern supply depot will be next to the test facility.

The £13 million contribution towards the Institute from the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal is part of a £1 billion package of Government investment delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and job creation across the Leeds City Region.

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “The Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration is the first stage of an economic programme that will see Leeds City Region become a UK centre for conventional and high speed rail engineering.

“The test facility will attract companies working in the railway supply chain. Combined, they have the potential to bring in thousands of skilled jobs, ensuring our region is not just at the forefront of today’s technology but is shaping the transport systems of tomorrow.”

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration has a key role to play as a world-leader in engineering excellence, new infrastructure, innovation and learning.

“Located next to the HS2 depot, it is a further significant endorsement of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone as a key economic driver for the city and the wider region.

“It also fits perfectly with the council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy, generating inward investment and jobs and offering opportunities for young people in Leeds and the region to learn cutting-edge skills in what is sure to be a leading industry supporting our future national transport network.”

Together with the Institute of Railway Research at the University of Huddersfield, the High Speed Rail College in Doncaster, the Network Rail Campus in York and the manufacturing capabilities of the Leeds City Region, there is an unprecedented economic opportunity for advanced manufacturing, engineering and education in the region and the north, to complement the Northern Powerhouse agenda.

Strengthening key industries

A total of 11 projects across England have been funded through round six of the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF). A total of £221 million from the fund has attracted more than £450 million in additional investment for research. One of the objectives of UKRPIF is to strengthen the contribution of research and innovation to economic growth.

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