Project Overview
The project involved the comprehensive redevelopment of The Welding Institute’s site to create a series of new structures connected to the main Bevan Braithwaite building via a link street.
The three buildings are occupied by a mixture of Research and Development and Educational and Training spaces.
The three buildings are occupied by a mixture of Research and Development and Educational and Training spaces.
Building Two is almost identical to Building One, but houses laboratories, teaching spaces, PHD write-up areas and office accommodation.
Building Three is an engineering hall formed of three 72.5m x 22m wide bays capable of accepting high level cranes.
Externally, two of the buildings are grass-bunded to internal worktop height, while an outer glazed screen aesthetically unifies the lower level.
Multi-coloured terracotta ‘baguette’ tiles are featured above the ground floor and on the third building. While this brings coherence to the whole development, each building is given its own identity through a different colour scheme.
Core Team
Phil Doherty
Contracts Manager
Ian Boast
Construction Manager
Andrew Clark
Commercial Manager
Andrew has worked at SDC since 1995 and is one of the longest serving members of the company, where he has progressed to Project Commercial Director. He is a valued and trusted member of the team with significant industry experience. Andrew has contributed to a vast range of projects across Oxford and Cambridge, where he is responsible for providing commercial leadership, strategic commercial direction and support to the project team.
Bill Webb
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Warren Foster
Design Coordinator
Jonathan Richardson
M&E Manager
After completing his A-Levels in Nottingham, Jonathan pursued an engineering apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building. This block-release programme integrated theoretical study with hands-on experience, enhancing his technical skills and problem-solving abilities. During his apprenticeship, he worked with a national MEP contractor, which gave him valuable industry exposure but ultimately highlighted his preference for a more collaborative and people-focused work environment.
A significant shift in Jonathan’s career occurred when his mentor invited him to join a regional family-owned MEP contractor in Nottingham. The role suited his collaborative working style, but the company later faced financial challenges during a recession, prompting him to explore new opportunities.
Having already collaborated with SDC as a subcontractor, Jonathan’s skills drew the attention of the company’s M&E Director. After his former employer’s closure, he joined SDC and was soon entrusted with leading its newly created M&E self-delivery department. Over 18 months, he assembled a team of professionals with subcontractor expertise, building a department now comprising 20 members, including trainees and project managers. This team operates with a focus on technical excellence and practical problem-solving.
In 2016, as Jonathan’s professional responsibilities grew alongside his young family, he shared his concerns with the company. In response, the company supported his relocation closer to its base, allowing him to achieve a better work-life balance. This positive change strengthened his dedication to the company and further enhanced his contribution.
Jonathan became a Director in January 2024. In this role, he is responsible for project delivery, tendering, preconstruction, and sustainability efforts, alongside overseeing the MEP department. His contributions have been integral to the successful delivery of complex projects in sectors such as Formula One, including work with clients like Aston Martin and Red Bull. He values the variety and problem-solving aspects of his role and is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within SDC.
