MARGARET FELL LECTURE THEATRE, LANCASTER UNIVERSITY

EDUCATION WORKS

LOCATION

Lancaster

SECTOR

Education

CLIENT

College Governors

ARCHITECT

JM Architects

PROJECT VALUE

£3.4m

CONTRACT

Design & Build

PERIOD

Nov 2019 – Sept 2020

CONTRACT PERIOD

40 Weeks

THE BRIEF

H.H. Smith were delighted to once again be awarded works at Lancaster University. This newbuild 400 seat lecture theatre is situated between the FASS building and the University Chemistry buildings. Works included minor demolition works, remodelling and refurbishment works to the FASS building to create a glazed link into the newly built lecture theatre.

KEY POINTS

Managing the disruption and disturbance to the University’s activities was a major challenge, along with managing expectations from adjacent teaching blocks and residences. Careful planning, collaboration and regular meetings ensured disruption was kept to a minimum. Much of the work was undertaken whilst under Covid 19 restrictions which presented additional challenges. Out of hours security was provided to protect the open buildings throughout the build.

CHALLENGES

Site access was a major challenge as access was gained through the campus with restricted shared access, both pedestrian and vehicular A further challenge was the narrowness of the site and the limited space on site to accommodate material storage. Material deliveries were also compromised, requiring detailed planning and scheduling to ensure materials were available as needed and sub contractors fully informed to ensure the programme was unaffected. Multiple contractors were on site, requiring, collaboration and consideration to maintain a productive working arrangement. Staff from the FASS building had to be relocated to alternative accommodation during parts of the build, which required a collaborative planned approach.