The University of East London celebrated the start of work on its New Academic Building (NAB) with a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice Chancellor and President, on 18 March.

The £45 million New Academic Building is a key addition to the University’s Stratford Health Campus on Water Lane. Purpose-built for UEL’s Practice Makes Professional Curriculum, the NAB will house cutting-edge clinical skills centres and a prototype university primary care facility, and create extensive placement opportunities for students training to become healthcare professionals.

Professor Amanda Broderick said:, “This groundbreaking work showcases how our university is moving forward on our commitment to train the healthcare professionals of tomorrow to meet the future needs of the NHS. It gives our students and staff the opportunity to make a real difference in reducing health inequalities and creating a fairer, healthier future for everyone.”

The new building is part of a wider £170 million redevelopment at the Stratford Health Campus that will provide state-of-the-art teaching, learning, and research spaces and alleviate some of the pressure on local housing by delivering 650 student bedrooms. It will also host a suite of healthcare courses, including an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programme, subject to approval from the General Medical Council, and will play a central role in expanding access to healthcare education and supporting the growth of the regional healthcare workforce.

Construction is being undertaken by Graham, a London-based company which was selected based on their experience in delivering complex, sustainable facilities in the higher education and healthcare sectors. The contract was awarded after a competitive procurement process. The New Academic Building is due to open in July 2027.