The new 27,000 square-metre facility, located in Iskandar, Johor Bahru, was opened by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell, in February.
Appointed by the University of Reading, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) provided cost and value engineering advice at all stages of the building’s development.
The university will house around 3,000 students and offer courses in three core areas; business and law, science, and the built environment.
Stephen Scott, head of education at RLB said, ‘We have worked with the University of Reading for more than 20 years. We have combined our knowledge and understanding of its operation here in the UK with local market knowledge in Malaysia, to deliver the project to the calibre expected of such a high-profile further education brand and facility.
RLB also assisted the university with negotiations with the Malaysian developer of the site to agree the university’s rent-to-buy profile.
The Design
The design of the facility was undertaken in the UK by Scott Brownrigg.
It comprises two campus buildings arranged around a covered ‘heart space’. This features a specialised roof allowing UV light through, and structural glazing at each end, which includes landscaping and bridges to link the buildings together.
The campus is part of EduCity, a 600-acre education hub comprising universities and higher education institutes, research and development centres, student accommodation, and sports facilities.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
