Leicestershire County Council wins international award for Loughborough building project

They won the accolade this week for its pioneering 100,000 sq ft office project at Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).

The NEC award, which recognises excellence in how building contracts are run across the globe, has been given in previous years to schemes as far flung as Peru and New Zealand.

This year the Leicestershire County Council scheme fought off competition from other entries including a new development at Hong Kong airport. 

The council worked in partnership with Loughborough University to create the new building which is leased to tech giant, The Access Group. It is thought to be the largest, single-occupier office deal in the county this century. 

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton, said: “This award is a phenomenal achievement. To be recognised here in Leicestershire on a global stage for excellence in delivering large scale projects and working with partners is an honour and a testament to the hard work put in. 

“We are investing in property across the county, and this deal alone generating £1.6m a year in revenue which goes directly towards supporting vital front-line council services.”

Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are working hard with our money, we are building new workspaces, creating jobs and opportunities for council residents, and boosting the economy. 

“By investing wisely, we have more money to spend on improving our services. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this project a success.” 

From inception to completion, the office at LUSEP, was completed in under four years with work continuing safely through the pandemic. The Access group’s new offices will create 500 new jobs based in Loughborough. 

Professor Malcolm Cook, LUSEP Lead, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. The Access Building occupies a prominent position on our Science and Enterprise Park, exemplifying both the strategic growth in our eco-system which encompasses the University and LUSEP, and the collaboration we enjoy with successful businesses such as Access Group. We look forward to continuing this relationship”.