University scheme moves forward

A DEVELOPER has been appointed to deliver a £66m development of buildings at the University of York.

The university has chosen BAM Construction to work on the site which will become the centre piece of the first phase of its expanded campus at Heslington East.

The buildings will provide accommodation for four departments: the Department of Theatre, Film & Television, the Department of Computer Science, The York Law School and The York Management School. 

BAM will also construct ‘The Hub’ – a central building bringing together researchers, staff, knowledge transfer companies, students and the public that will act as a nucleus for the development.

The university’s pro vice-chancellor for estates, Elizabeth Heaps, said: “These stunning buildings will be the focus of academic activity in the first phase of Heslington East.”

Matthew Garnett has been appointed by BAM as the project manager for all four structures.

Mr Garnett said: “This is a really big and exciting challenge and we have drawn up a staggered programme to start and hand-over the buildings successively.

“Work will start soon on the Theatre, Film and Television Department building and all the new facilities will be completed in time for October 2010. They will have a variety of different and striking facades and will be visually very arresting.”

BAM Construction operates from a base in Leeds, but will be engaging York-based engineering specialist SES on the project.

Mr Garnett added: “The university and BAM have a number of initiatives planned during the lifespan of the construction work that we hope will engage and benefit the wider community.”

The Theatre, Film and Television building will include a stage theatre, a black box theatre, a screening room and TV studios with audio and editing suites.

The Computer Science building will feature teaching accommodation, departmental offices and software laboratories.

The law and management building will contain lecture theatres, seminar rooms, learning space, departmental offices and knowledge transfer facilities.