Commercial feature: Building in the heart of the city

Founded in 1853 and now operating throughout the UK and Ireland, the business employs over 800 people and has office locations in Belfast, Glasgow, London, Birmingham and Bristol.  

Focusing on its three core values of collaboration, commitment, and care, the business delivers construction, civil engineering, and fit-out projects and provides facilities management services to public and private sector clients in healthcare, education, defence, industrial, retail, sports venues, transport infrastructure, environmental, marine, commercial, and leisure.

McLaughlin & Harvey was awarded the main construction contract for the City Learning Quarter in late 2023.  The City of Wolverhampton Council development – supported by Government funding – will establish new educational facilities for the City of Wolverhampton College, Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library.  

The state-of-the-art education facility will be over 10,000 sqm and will create a central learning location in the centre of Wolverhampton. Essential works are being carried out to the existing College (City of Wolverhampton College’s Metro One building), Library, and Adult Education Centre. 

These works include external works, minor demolitions, remodelling, and refurbishment, as well as new-build extensions to the Metro One College building. It will allow the College to move from its outdated Paget Road site, which has been identified as land for building much-needed housing.

The City Learning Quarter will generate and safeguard 750 jobs in the local economy and provide educational benefits for the city. The City of Wolverhampton College forecasts that over a 10-year period, approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter, and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.