Our Real Estate team has advised the Government Property Agency (GPA) and the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on a new state-of-the-art headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading.

The new headquarters, funded by DSIT, will form part of the largest cluster of operational weather forecasting and climate scientists in the world. In addition to a research institute, the new building will house operational services to provide and disseminate global numerical weather predictions to ECMWF’s Member and Co-operating States and users.

The development has been designed to industry leading net zero carbon standards, targeting an ‘Outstanding' rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).

Gowling WLG advised on all aspects of the development agreement, lease and building contract for the new headquarters. The team was led by Partner Felicity Lindsay, with support from Consultant Tim Steele and Principal Associates Jane Reyersbach, and Ashley Yarwood.

Felicity Lindsay, partner at Gowling WLG, said: 'It was a pleasure to have acted for GPA on this industry leading development on the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus. ECMWF's new headquarters will support UK and ECMWF scientists in staying at the forefront of global meteorological advancements and allow the science to be used for global good.'

VWV acted for University of Reading on the deal.

Gowling WLG is home to one of the UK's largest real estate practices. For further information, visit our Real Estate sector page.