Client: Northumbria University
Duration: August 2016 – January 2017
Value: £600k
Location: Student Central, Newcastle
As part of Northumbria University’s strategy to improve the student experience Northern Bear Building Services Limited were appointed to carry out Phases 1A and 3 on the student central project.
Phase 1A was negotiated following the successful completion of four other projects for the University during the summer of 2015, and Phase 3 was secured as an open tender. Both phases were delivered in tandem as access was required through one phase to gain access to the other phase and as such, this proposal reduced disruption to the client’s occupied areas. Works were commenced with two weeks of the client’s instruction to proceed. The works involved the full strip out of the work area back to the original structure, new mechanical and electrical services, fire protection, ceiling baffles and decoration, and the full fit out of the areas to create the new facilities. New raised floors were installed to create level access from one part of the building to a new level at the other side of the works area. New stainless steel handrails and glass balustrade / screens were introduced and new manufactured joinery ‘pods’ were installed to create one to one spaces for the use of students / advisors.
Both projects were of a fast track nature with the completion date of 15th January 2017 being critical to the client’s objectives, as a number of other University activities were scheduled around this date. The design of this area developed as the works were opened up and the site team and designers had to work in a collaborative manner to ensure that the design could be developed and delivered, to the client’s critical completion date of 16th January 2017. Access to Phase 3 was achieved through the Phase 1A works area to avoid conflict between building works and the universities day to day activities. Relevant information was issued to the supply chain as soon as it was available so that materials / manufactured items could be procured, whilst still ensuring that the key completion date was achieved.
Phase 3 was executed in a similar manner and the completion date of Sunday 30th January 2017 was also achieved.