University of Lancashire's Vet School wins social impact award

The University of Lancashire’s commitment to creating hundreds of vets for the region has been recognised with an industry award.

The state-of-the-art School of Veterinary Medicine won the Social Impact Award at the Insider Lancashire Property Awards 2025.

It was recognised for its commitment to create confident, skilled and compassionate professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and reflected the social impact of the major design and building process.

“This was a scheme of national significance which is bringing skills and growth into Lancashire,” said the judging panel.

Prof Heather Bacon OBE, dean of the school of veterinary medicine, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for the social impacts our new school will create.

"As a civic University we value our role in providing opportunity for all - especially in subjects such as veterinary medicine and allied animal health professions which may traditionally have been difficult to access.

“We hope that our graduates will go on to support the important rural and urban economies across the North West, and we’re really grateful to everyone who has contributed to the development of the new school and supported our students.”

The 50,000 sq ft building, which emphasises practical, hands-on learning and incorporates immersive and simulated clinical learning environments, was built by Morgan Sindall Construction and designed by Wilson Mason LLP.

In addition to recognising the huge number of vet professionals who will add to their much-needed specialist skills to the region, the award also acclaimed the number of local labourers used in the development and the regional businesses involved in the supply chain.

The project delivered a social and local economic value of nearly £9m, saw a range of apprentices gain vital hands-on skills and offered employment to more than 50 unemployed people.

Bob Turner, project manager for the School of Veterinary Medicine build, said: “We embed social value commitments as part of the tender process.

“Corporate social responsibility is now at the forefront of the industry and both contractors and clients value the positive impact this has on local business, the local community, and individuals who might not be given an opportunity without these project initiatives.”

Steven Gregory, North West area director at Morgan Sindall, added: “We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this transformative facility to life.

"Beyond the quality of the building itself, this project has supported local employment, empowered apprentices, and strengthened regional businesses.

"This richly deserved award reflects the long-term legacy the School will create for communities across Lancashire and beyond.”

The building was also shortlisted in the Commercial Development of the Year category.

Lancashire Business View reported in July about the opening of the facility.

The university was confident its prestigious new development will strengthen its position nationally and reinforce its position as one of Lancashire’s anchor institutions and a with an annual contribution to the local economy of more than £300m Gross Value Added (GVA).