Physics

Description

Identity Consult were appointed as Project Managers and Employer’s Agents for the Lancaster University Physics Refurbishment project. The project brief was to completely refurbish the existing Physics building, to increase the numbers of offices and student workspaces and to replace the building services infrastructure. Part of the existing courtyard between the main building and the single storey workshop was internalised as part of a two-storey new build atrium, along with a remodelled entrance to create a social learning hub and focal point for students within the building. To the rear, a three-storey new build toilet block was erected to ensure the building is compliant with current regulation provision.

Identity Consult identified key stakeholders and staff champions at the outset of the project and worked with them to ensure the decant strategy was tailored to meet the University’s requirements. As part of this process staff were taken to other projects both on and off campus to review how teaching activity could be maintained within the building thus allowing Identity Consult to utilise best practice from other schemes.

Detailed enabling works were identified as part of the tender documentation to ensure key services were protected in the live areas and where running through the building site. Con-tractors were aware of the risks posed both to themselves and the operation of the live elements of the building. Disruptive works on the boundary of the building site / live building were prohibited during teaching hours to maintain a suitable learning environment. Identity Consult ensured these were factored into the Contractor’s programme and managed through weekly stakeholder consultations.

July 2017 saw the successful completion of the project with a small period of fit out undertaken before opening the facility for teaching at the start of term in September. Staff and students are now enjoying a world class facility to match the world leading Physics department within.