STORY
Construction has officially begun on the new state-of-the-art headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus. A ground-breaking ceremony on 9 July 2025 marked the start of work on this cutting-edge facility, which is set to become a global hub for meteorological research and forecasting. Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, led the ceremony, joined by key stakeholders including ECMWF Directors, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of the ECMWF Council, and Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the Government Property Agency (GPA), which is overseeing the project. Representatives from the University of Reading and Mace, the design and build contractor, were also in attendance.
The modern, accessible and highly sustainable headquarters, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is anticipated to be ready for occupation in early 2027. ECMWF will relocate from its current premises in Reading, where it has been based for half a century, to this new purpose-built facility. Once operational, the building will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff, supporting world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and crucial research into climate change. The advanced facility will facilitate the use of the latest developments in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis, all aimed at enhancing weather predictions and our understanding of the climate.
Lord Vallance expressed the UK’s pride in continuing to host the ECMWF headquarters, highlighting that the new facility positions the UK at the forefront of international efforts to comprehend weather and climate patterns better. He noted that improved weather predictions will enable optimised energy consumption estimates, effective adjustments to transport schedules and provide farmers with crucial time to prepare for extreme weather, ultimately helping individuals and businesses save money, reduce energy use and enhance safety. Florence Rabier, ECMWF Director General, conveyed her satisfaction with the move to sustainable premises after 50 years at Shinfield Park, anticipating excellent facilities for staff and visitors and closer collaboration with university colleagues. She also emphasised ECMWF’s leadership, alongside its 35 member and cooperating states, in spearheading the artificial intelligence and machine learning revolution in weather science for the benefit and protection of citizens worldwide. The project has been designed to industry-leading net-zero carbon standards, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable development and scientific innovation.