CASE STUDY

Hawking Building for the Science Museum Collection

Project:

Location:

Swindon

Value:

£3.5 million

Sector:

Commercial

Services:

Groundworks

McCoy Contractors has successfully completed the full groundworks and external works package for the new Hawking Building at the Science Museum Group’s National Collections Centre in Swindon.

the Project.

The project forms part of the museum’s long‑term strategy to expand and modernise its collections storage, creating a highly controlled, sustainable facility for the preservation of nationally significant artefacts.

Appointed to deliver all groundworks and associated infrastructure, McCoy undertook a comprehensive scope of works including foundations, drainage installation, service trenching and construction of the main floor slab. The team also delivered extensive hard and soft landscaping, creating new car parks, service roads and pedestrian routes, along with the installation of grass‑crete systems to provide durable, permeable access areas that blend with the surrounding landscape.

A key element of the project was the formation of a new balancing pond designed to regulate surface water run‑off from the site. McCoy managed the full excavation, profiling and engineering of the pond, ensuring compliance with environmental requirements and supporting the site’s long‑term sustainability strategy.

McCoy Contractors delivered:

Working closely with the principal contractor and design team, McCoy coordinated complex sequencing to ensure the groundworks package supported the wider construction programme.

The team’s ability to manage multiple interfaces - from drainage tie‑ins to service diversions and external infrastructure - ensured the project progressed efficiently and safely.

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The completed works provide the Hawking Building with a robust and resilient foundation, high‑quality external environments and essential water‑management infrastructure.

McCoy’s contribution has played a central role in enabling the Science Museum Group to expand its world‑class collections facility and enhance the long‑term stewardship of its archive.

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