Eric Wright Construction has been awarded a multi-million pound project to refurbish the Physics building at Lancaster University, part of a ten-year master-plan to improve student facilities.
The refurbishment work will comprise a new two-storey atrium, providing a social learning hub that will facilitate group working and remote study, as well as extensive modernisation throughout the building including laboratories and other facilities.
Phased works will allow some areas of the building to remain occupied during the course of the refurbishment.
In-line with Lancaster University’s sustainability and carbon reduction targets, the building has been designed by ADP Architecture to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental performance standards, putting it in the top 10 per cent of UK new non-domestic buildings based on sustainable and environmental compliance.
Jonathan Rayner, operations director at Eric Wright Construction, said: “The Physics building at Lancaster University has a long heritage of educational and research excellence, so it is an honour to have been appointed as the contractor for these vital works.
“This refurbishment programme has been developed in conjunction with the Physics department staff and students to ensure it continues producing outstanding work and we’ll be calling on all our expertise in the education sector to deliver a new building befitting of this historic institution.”
Professor Roger Jones, Head of Physics at Lancaster University, added: “This exciting project will allow us to provide an environment for students to match the excellent assessment they give of teaching in Physics. It will also mean that the important first impression of the department for students and staff will reflect the cutting edge and vital activity within it, as well as providing modern working spaces.”
Lancaster University’s Physics department is one of the best in the country, with a reputation for high quality teaching driven by outstanding research.
Work on the new building will started in July 2015 with completion scheduled for November 2016.