G F Tomlinson delivering world-leading MRI facility at University of Nottingham

The Team Lincolnshire Ambassador will build a highly specialised extension to accommodate a new 11.7 Tesla Ultra High Field MRI scanner – a 70-tonne, state-of-the-art system that will enhance the UK’s capability for world-leading brain imaging research.

The project started in July 2025 and a ‘first look’ ceremony took place on 15th October attended by Professor Richard Bowtell, Director of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and project lead; Professor Zoe Wilson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Science; and Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham.

The extension is due for completion in January 2027, with works carefully phased to minimise disruption to staff, students and the wider campus community.

Once operational, the new facility will offer vital insight into human brain function and play a pivotal role in strengthening national research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The scheme, totalling 250 square metres, will create a new Magnet Hall – an iron-shielded space designed to safely contain the magnetic field generated by the new scanner. Surrounding infrastructure will include a control and equipment room, clinical spaces, patient waiting areas and essential welfare facilities to provide a comprehensive clinical and research environment.

The highly complex nature of the project includes the integration of the 70-tonne magnet, substantial reinforcement of the floor slab to support both the magnet and its iron shield, and precise tolerances required for the installation of sensitive imaging equipment.

Designed in collaboration with the university’s leading academics, magnet supplier Tesla Engineering and scanner supplier Philips Healthcare, the iron shield has been engineered and installed by IMEDCO, ensuring precise containment of the magnet’s powerful field.

G F Tomlinson’s appointment marks the continuation of a successful partnership with the University of Nottingham that spans over 20 years. Previous schemes include the Biodiscovery Institute and Advanced Manufacturing Building, and the contractor is currently delivering projects across three of the university’s campuses, including the Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Lab at Jubilee Campus and the Clinical Training Centre roof replacement at University Park.

Andy Sewards, Group Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said:

“It’s a privilege to once again be supporting the University of Nottingham in delivering a facility that will have a lasting legacy in clinical research. Having previously completed landmark schemes such as the Biodiscovery Institute, we are proud to be working once again at University Park Campus as well as delivering projects across the university’s Castle Meadow and Jubilee Campuses.

 

“The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre extension will become a cornerstone of medical excellence in the UK, and we’re pleased to be contributing our expertise to such a nationally significant facility.”

Professor Richard Bowtell, Director of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, is leading the project and said:

“It’s a huge moment to see the building starting to take shape after months of meticulous planning for this complex project and we’re delighted to be working with GF Tomlinson.

 

“We’re extremely proud to be building on Sir Peter’s Mansfield’s legacy that started here with the invention of MRI in the 1970s. The Ultra-High Field scanner is the next generation in technology and will provide a step change in the capabilities of imaging research, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation to bring new understanding to a range of diseases.”