Sectors - Civil

Kier Appointed to New Research Facility



Kier has been appointed by Swansea University to deliver its £30 million Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) building. It will be a research and innovation hub used to support growth of the semiconductor industry within the UK.

Situated at Swansea University’s Bay Campus in its engineering quarter, the three-storey building will span an impressive 4320sqm and will comprise of 850m2 ISO Qualified clean rooms, laboratory research facilities as well as 20 offices.

Kier is focusing on delivering a sustainable and energy efficient building, where they will utilise renewable energy technology on the project, including the use of a solar PV and heat recovery. Kier is currently on site carrying out enabling works in readiness for construction o the building, with completion set for summer 2022.

Throughout the project, Kier will work with local supply chains, of which circa 20% will be from the surrounding Swansea area.

Jason Taylor, Operations Director for Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, stated: “The Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials is set to be a vital building in aiding the growth of the semiconductor industry in the UK. We are delighted to have been appointed by Swansea University to deliver these state-of-the-art facilities which will be at the heart of its engineering quarter.

“This latest award builds on our relationship with Swansea University, having delivered the Impact building last year as well as a number of other refurbishment projects over the last five years. We will continue to work with our local supply chain to deliver this important project for the university.”

Professor Paul Meredith, Ser Cymru National Research Chair and Swansea University CISM project lead, said: “I am delighted that Kier Construction will be delivering CISM which will play a key part in putting Wales on the map as a major player in the rapidly growing UK semiconductor industry.  When completed, the CISM building will be a hub for connecting research, innovation and manufacturing to drive economic growth in this region.”

Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University Professor Paul Boyle said: “It is exciting to see this major project reach another important milestone, especially during such difficult times. The CISM project is a reflection of South Wales’ strength in semiconductor technology, and a paradigm of how universities can work collaboratively and successfully with industry and government to create innovation-led economic growth for our region.”

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