QS & EA

In 2023, JCA Consulting was appointed to provide Quantity Surveying (QS) and Employer’s Agent (EA) services for a landmark new development at Keele University; a state-of-the-art Veterinary School and independent veterinary teaching hospital.

The development, part of a joint venture between Harper Adams University and Keele University, was designed to create a central hub for veterinary education and care, including:

• Lecture theatres and teaching laboratories
• Clinical skills and anatomy labs
• Breakout and collaborative learning spaces
• A 24-hour veterinary teaching hospital operated by Garden Vets
• Café and atria areas for student engagement
• High-quality landscaping and external works

The building also achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating, underlining its sustainable design and construction credentials.

As Quantity Surveyor, JCA Consulting led on all aspects of cost planning and control, including:

• Budget preparation and cost modelling
• Procurement strategy and tender evaluation
• Change control and value engineering
• Cost reporting and final account negotiations

In our capacity as Employer’s Agent, we provided contract administration and project leadership throughout the construction phase, acting as the key liaison between the University, contractor, and wider stakeholder group.

Key Challenges

Delivering a building that blends clinical healthcare requirements with modern academic functionality brought a range of technical and logistical challenges. These included:

• Coordinating with multiple stakeholders across academia and veterinary healthcare
• Managing budget implications of highly specialist clinical fit-out and equipment
• Ensuring flexibility for future adaptation and multi-use space
• Aligning construction delivery with a tight academic schedule for student intake

JCA’s experience in both the education and healthcare sectors allowed us to provide confident, proactive solutions throughout the build process.

Outcomes

• On-time and on-budget delivery of a major capital project
• A facility that now supports hundreds of veterinary students in advanced clinical and academic training
• Over 45 new jobs created in the region through the veterinary hospital
• A successful collaboration between Garden Vets, Keele University, and Harper Adams University
• A sustainable and future-ready building contributing to the university’s long-term growth strategy

Client Impact

The new facility has already been hailed as one of the most modern veterinary education centres in the UK. Students benefit from immersive technologies, hands-on clinical training, and a truly interdisciplinary learning environment.

From initial planning through to completion, JCA Consulting provided expert guidance, commercial clarity, and consistent leadership, helping to turn a bold academic vision into reality.