Graham Construction will lead on the delivery of the three-storey commercial building, known as the Gateway Building, containing laboratories and offices for technology start-ups.

It will be the first of several phases to be built on the 42-acre site located near the M4 in Shinfield.

The Thames Valley Science Park will be a springboard for emerging technology companies forging links between businesses and academia. Eventually it will offer 800,000 sq ft of flexible laboratory and office space.

Four major buildings are planned for the Thames Valley Science Park

Graham Construction’s London office director, Rob Joyce said: “The Thames Valley Science Park Gateway Building is the first project to be tendered and announced under the University of Reading’s £250m capital works programme and marks a significant milestone.

“Our focus will be on constructing buildings of the highest quality to support the university’s aim in attracting leading SMEs specialising in technology.

Aecom is the M&E consultant on the Gateway Building, which is set to complete in March 2017.