Constructor wins £2.1m revamp deal

THE University of Chester has appointed GRAHAM Construction to the £2.1m phase two refurbishment of its main library.

GRAHAM Construction, which has a north of England base in Salford, was awarded the works following the successful handover of phase one at the university’s Seaborne Library.

Phase two will conclude the construction of a new two-storey extension to the existing building, which will feature study, administration and library space.
External works will involve realigning the adjacent road and creating new vehicle delivery and parking spaces. The project is expected to run for 28-weeks with completion in summer 2016.

The north of England division of GRAHAM continues to strengthen its position in the Higher Education sector across the region with a broad spectrum of academic and residential projects.

These include the £81m Peel Park Quarter at the University of Salford, the award-winning Heart of the Campus development at Sheffield Hallam University, numerous framework projects for the University of Manchester and Liverpool Hope University’s new £8.9m science building, which officially opened to students in January 2016.

Gary Hughes, GRAHAM’s north of England regional director, said: “After successfully completing Phase 1 of the project on time and within budget, the university invited us to negotiate the second phase. Our extensive knowledge of the project, and collaborative approach with the university, meant that we were awarded the opportunity to conclude the building works, which are now under way.

“We look forward to completing this final stage of the project and handing over a modernised library which is still sympathetic to the building’s original features.”

Phase one of the refurbishment works included internal configuration, refurbishment, minor demolition and diversion / replacement of mechanical and electrical services.

Brian Fitzpatrick, senior executive director of learning and information services at the University of Chester, said: “We are happy to continue to work with GRAHAM Construction from phase one to phase two of this project.

“The extension continues our investment in learning services to student and will provide a greatly enhanced library, study and learning environment.”