Refurbished higher education facilities

The UK’s higher education success story is good for the construction industry as educational establishments and institutions renew and upgrade their campuses and facilities. Higher education specialists Steven Jenkins and Alison Wring report on how academic building refurbishments could help institutions improve assets while reducing their environmental impact.

The challenge of refurbishments

Refurbishments can offer institutions a cost-effective way to improve existing assets. However, project teams will need think carefully about disruption to the institution’s business as usual. Specifying suitable space for students and staff to be moved elsewhere whilst works are underway is essential.

The net zero carbon challenge

Many universities have already declared a climate emergency. Others are setting tough emissions targets for their buildings. To meet these challenges, institutions will need to look carefully at their estates strategies and masterplans in terms of space utilisation and energy sources and usage. Using the existing estate more efficiently, rather than building a new project, may provide a solution and could be less capital intensive.

New partners, more opportunities

Refurbishment may be accompanied by rationalisation, as institutions improve key strategic parts of their estate and get rid of the obsolete facilities. The more enlightened are bringing research-related private-sector activity to their sites, retaining ownership of the land while inviting those commercial partners to co-locate in knowledge clusters. This may help embed innovation and provide a smooth transition from academia into work.

Collaboration for success

Research and teaching at universities is increasingly multidisciplinary and collaborative. Asset owners will need to ensure refurbishment projects deliver what’s required for these new models. Flexibility for future use is of paramount importance. The rapid evolution of technology, coupled generational shifts in students learning styles means space needs to be adaptable to allow for future reconfiguration.

Think it through

Consultation with key estate stakeholders and building users is another essential factor. Refurbishments can make construction planning complex, especially if historic buildings are part of the project or if site locations sit within a conservation area. The age of a building may affect project risks and associated costs, especially around issues such as asbestos, deleterious materials, thermal efficiency and any potential heritage or conservation-related matters.

View and download the cost model here.

Feature image credit: © Jack Hobhouse and Hawkins Brown