First phase of £30m upgrade to university’s science faculty completes

The first phase of a £30m scheme to upgrade Loughborough University’s science buildings has completed.

The entire scheme is due for completion in 2019 and will see the university’s W and S buildings converted to provide new laboratories, offices, lecture rooms and ancillary student spaces at its West Park Campus.

Phase one works, which started in April 2017, have included the creation of a new entrance to the W building, a cafeteria and open plan breakout spaces, a refurbished chemistry department, tribology and acoustic workshops, as well as a new architectural studio space.

Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects is providing architectural services for the scheme on behalf of construction company Henry Brothers.

Andy Dowding, partner at Franklin Ellis Architects in charge of the scheme, said: “We have been onsite for over a year now and it’s brilliant to see our vision coming to life. The design allows plenty of natural daylight into the buildings, which has been achieved by incorporating open plan research areas, breakout spaces and large internal glazed screens.

“We’re pleased to be helping the university deliver 21st century learning facilities for students and staff to enjoy for many more years.”

Ian Taylor, managing director at Henry Brothers, said: “Phase one was very challenging due to the phasing and requirement to carry out the extensive refurbishment within a live building where students were working. The whole team came together and worked tirelessly to minimise disruption to the university and provide them with a high-end, modern science and engineering facility.”