Partnership with Leeds Beckett University continues

It is home to more than 28,000 students from across the globe and almost 3,000 staff, with a 190-year history of education.

Sewell Construction has worked with Leeds Beckett University on various projects across its estate, building on the schemes the company has completed in the education sector across the Yorkshire region.

Most recently, this includes reconfiguring the ground floor of the Sheila Silver Library and the Northern Terrace reception area, which also led to the refurbishment of 10 Queen Square, a terraced property on campus, by Sewell Construction sister company Illingworth and Gregory (I&G).

Sean Henderson, Estates Director at Sewell, said: “The six-week library work was completed in a live environment and was the latest in a multi-phase project after the first and second floors were refurbished by Sewell Construction in two previous separate schemes. The Northern Terrace project ran for 14 weeks.

“Both projects went very well, with Sewell Construction and I&G working hand-in-hand.

“The Sheila Silver Library is open 24/7/365 and is well used at all times of the day, so we planned ahead.

“We gave people access to the upper floors levels and provided end users with daily updates on forthcoming activities, so noise and any dust could be kept to a minimum.

“We segregated areas of the ground floor with full height hoardings, which could be moved to fit in with the activities and changes on site.

“We relocated the reception desk area, carried out structural alterations to create a further open plan area, laid new flooring, decorated throughout, and altered electrical services, power and data to suit the new desks and layout.

“To be able to complete a third project at the Sheila Silver Library, while building on our already well-established relationship with Leeds Beckett, was fantastic.”

At the Northern Terrace area of the campus, which is a student reception and administration support facility, the team created an open plan, bespoke reception space on one level between March and June 2018.

Sean said: “The work was carried out next to an administration area, so noise and dust were again kept to a minimum, and we encountered some unknown structural elements which involved a redesign, so new steelwork went in to support the upper floors to create the open plan area.

“Other work included creating a new glazed lobby within the main entrance, new flooring and decoration throughout. We’re now redecorating and re-flooring an administration area behind the reception following the initial work.”

Paul Mason, Project Manager at Leeds Beckett University, said: “My experience of Sewell is really positive and we have a very open and honest relationship, which means we work well together and jobs run smoothly.

“There were a few challenges along the way and things were tight towards the end of the library work and 10 Queen Square. But Sewell and I&G pulled out all the stops when needed and got the job done, which is really appreciated.

“The projects were extremely well managed and all have turned out really well, especially under the time and cost constraints we were working to. End users have already given positive feedback and praised Sewell’s delivery.”

To find out more about the projects we have worked on with Leeds Beckett University, click here.