University appoints Henry Brothers for Chemistry Building refurbishment project

28 Jan 2022

Contractor Henry Brothers has been appointed to deliver a £12m refurbishment scheme of the Chemistry Building

The project involving the complete refurbishment of floors four and five of the building, which hosts one of the largest Chemistry departments in the UK, and also includes work to the level eight plantroom, roof and external ductwork and services.

It includes reorganising the layout of the two floors to create flexible lab space to feature new fume cupboards and fixed benching, dedicated write-up spaces with glazed screens for visibility throughout the lab, modern offices and attractive break-out areas.

One of the key features of the project is the external ventilation ducts running up the side of the building which feed into floors four and five (and the other floors in future phases). These ducts will be connected to the existing fans.

Director of Estates, Diana Hampson, said: "We are delighted to be working with Henry Brothers on the refurbishment of our University's Chemistry Building. This continues our campus investment to create an inspiring and progressive environment designed for the 21st century and recognises contemporary demands for flexible space. I look forward to seeing how the work progresses."

The design team includes Gardiner and Theobald as NEC project manager, RLB as quantity surveyor, Halliday Meecham Architects, structural engineers Curtins and EDPI for M&E services, with sub-contractors William Bailey and Electract providing mechanical and electrical services for Henry Brothers.

Situated on the corner of Upper Brook Street and Dover Street, the Chemistry Building is a seven-storey facility built in the 1960s.

Work has started on site this month (January 2022), with a completion scheduled for April 2023.