Eiffage, through its Eiffage Concessions branch, has signed the University of Lorraine building public private partnership (PPP) project in Metz, France.

This project includes two new buildings with a total area of 14,800 m²:

• a microstructural and mechanics of materials research laboratory (LEM3) and
• a mathematics, IT and mechanical engineering training and research unit.

It will provide modern and functional premises for 1,200 personnel and students at Metz science and technology park (Technopôle de Metz) by the beginning of the school year in 2017.

The project will be developed on a design, build finance, operation and maintenance (DBFOM) basis. The contract period will be 25 years.

The PPP contract worth €32.6 million (US$36.5 million).

With its 60 laboratories and 46 training units, the University of Lorraine has a total of nearly 7,000 personnel and takes in more than 52,000 students a year. Its missions include teaching, vocational training, scientific and technological research, disseminating culture, scientific and technological information, technology transfers and international and cross-border cooperation.

In mid April last year the University of Lorraine launched a tender process for the design, build, finance, operation and maintenance (DBFOM) of a biology health centre in Nancy. The project will involve the development of reception areas, educational facilities for schools of pharmacy and dentistry, an amphitheater, research facilities, administrative offices, spaces dedicated to student social life, plant rooms and outdoor facilities.