A loyal friend is of value beyond measure – Laing O’Rourke and The University of Oxford

Every time I walk around Oxford I can’t help but be inspired by the many great authors who grew up there. From CK Lewis and Lewis Carroll to J.R.R Tolkien, the inspiration they got from the city created worlds beyond imagination. Oxford is an inspirational place – big ideas and solutions to problems that once seemed insurmountable are born here.

It is a place where Laing O’Rourke can live its purpose. Here we’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible and created buildings where humanity is served. I’m proud to say we’ve been doing that since 2001.

Back then, the digital tools we use today were science fiction. It was nine years before we invested in our first off-site manufacturing facility in Nottinghamshire. It was the year that R O’Rourke & Son acquired Laing Construction to become what we are today. That purchase began our long relationship with Oxford when we continued the contract for the Chemistry Building. Little did anyone know at the time that 24 years into the future, we would still be working in partnership with the University. It’s a partnership that I am incredibly proud of and one that benefits us equally.

Planning the story

J.R.R Tolkien may have had the luxury more than two decades of planning his world before he published The Hobbit, but in construction the work must move faster. It is, however, true that a detailed planning, or pre-construction, phase of a project is the catalysts for success. We have been grateful to have a partner in the University of Oxford that gets this and works collaboratively with us from the outset.

Operationally, this consistency in early engagement has enabled us to work more efficiently. I remember clearly a key example of the strengths of this engagement was seen in the construction of the Oxford University Beecroft Building for the Department of Physics led by Rob Cooper. The project was commissioned in 2015 and completed in 2018. Our strategy to prepare the site in advance and bring in early lead-times for project milestones enabled more time for the University’s project team to finalise designs and allowed us to deliver the project on time and on budget. This is a great example where upfront planning benefits the project. The University trusts our approach, we have built this trust up over a number of years, but it has meant we are brought in early, can have engaging conversations and provide our expertise to help improve the project delivery

Character development

Much like Bilbo Baggins’ journey helped him to evolve, so has our journey at Laing O’Rourke. Back in 2001 we were using traditional methods to build structures like the Chemistry building – paper blueprints, on-site, by hand. Skip forward to 2025 and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities was built using digital design and 75 per cent of the building was manufactured off site using advanced machinery. This advancement has allowed us to construct our twelfth project in the city in a small footprint between two other projects we completed, The Mathematics Building and Blavatnik School of Government.

There have also been huge advancements in digital technology in the last two decades. The Beecroft Building, completed in 2015, was one of the first projects in the city to use high detailed digital modelling. The project had floor space between the main rooms which housed the utility systems. These were extremely complicated, but the models allowed our teams to go through all the pipes and fittings, enabling them to identify and resolve the problems before they appeared on site.

We are spearheading the way and always at the forefront of the latest technology, which has enabled us to construct more complex projects to be delivered in shorter time frames, providing new buildings for the city to enjoy.

A good back story

There’s more to characters in a novel than their journey. Their ideas and beliefs help to bring them to life, it shows if they’re good, a character you can trust, and one you want to root for. I believe the same can be said for the buildings we created, there is more to them than just what the eye can see. They are embodiments of both ours and the University’s purpose and values.

We have delivered more than just projects in our time in the city. We have delivered new homes that further the fields of science, mathematics, physics, humanities, and buildings that enable the next generation of leaders. Whether it's creating state-of-the-art research facilities or sustainable housing, each project is a step towards a better future, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Still, I see how the work goes beyond even this. At Laing O’Rourke we are committed to creating strong career opportunities and contributing to the local economy, wherever we work. By partnering with local suppliers and investing in workforce development, we ensure that projects benefit the entire community.

In Oxford, the projects have aimed to provide educational opportunities to local schools. In our most recent projects, such as the Ellison Institute, our teams engaged with a local girls’ schools to roll out STEM+ modules, increasing engagement and awareness in engineering and other topics. In my modest opinion, we build some of the best buildings in the world, but it’s the people we help along the way or after that really makes me proud.

A franchise

I’m going to end with another link to authors, as you’d likely have guessed the thread running through this blog. Like with many great fantasy novels, the stories continue through a number of novels, often bringing in new characters to continue building the worlds. Much like those books, the partnership between the University and ourselves will continue to grow and bring new life to the city of Oxford.

Through early engagement, consistent delivery, and a commitment to their core values, we have built a legacy that will continue to shape Oxford's local landscape and its influence for global progress for years to come.

With a focus on sustainability, digital advancement, and diversity, the next 24 years promise to be just as impactful, driving forward our mission to push the boundaries of what's possible in service of humanity.

Next time you’re in Oxford, please do call into Humanities for a coffee, to read a book or to enjoy a performance to share the experience, I hope you are equally inspired.