The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) required the refurbishment and reconfiguration of three teaching and laboratory spaces within the L & B Block at its Frenchay Campus. The project formed part of a wider programme to modernise ageing facilities, improve compliance and building services infrastructure, and create flexible, future-ready learning environments for Health and Science students.
The project presented a number of technical and programme challenges. Room 2L16 required specialist radiological monitoring and nuclear decontamination before construction activities could commence, while asbestos surveys and management were required across all three teaching spaces. The works also involved extensive coordination with specialist contractors responsible for decontamination, laboratory equipment, ICT infrastructure, audiovisual systems, fire alarms, access control, data networks and mechanical and electrical services.
A fixed eight-week summer shutdown programme added further complexity, with no opportunity to extend the completion date as the refurbished facilities were required for the relocation of Health and Science teaching activities from the university's Glenside campus ahead of the new academic year.
To mitigate programme risk and support successful delivery, 21CBS was engaged early in the project lifecycle, working closely with UWE Bristol and the wider design team to refine the scope, develop buildable solutions and help shape the delivery strategy before works commenced on site.
21CBS acted as Principal Contractor, coordinating all building works, specialist suppliers and supply chain partners across the three refurbishment areas. Careful planning, programme management and stakeholder coordination ensured the project was completed within the fixed summer shutdown period and ready for the start of the new academic year.
The works included:
Specialist enabling works including radiological monitoring and decontamination of Room 2L16, asbestos management across all three teaching spaces, comprehensive strip-out works and the formation of new openings to support revised layouts.
Internal refurbishment works including ceiling adaptations, installation of a new Armstrong Dune eVo suspended ceiling system, full redecoration, new vinyl flooring and the installation of blackout blind systems to laboratory areas.
Supply and installation of a £63,000 furniture, fixtures and equipment package including Trespa-topped laboratory workstations, sink units, storage facilities, mobile teaching screens, sanitaryware and 76 new student chairs.
Mechanical and electrical upgrades including new LED lighting, electrical distribution improvements, power and data installations, fire alarm and access control upgrades, ventilation improvements, air conditioning, heating and water service modifications.
Compliance and integration works including fire stopping to service penetrations and builders-work-in-connection for specialist M&E, ICT and audiovisual installations.
The completed project delivered three bright, modern and flexible teaching environments that support both specialist laboratory activities and day-to-day learning requirements.
The refurbished spaces benefit from upgraded mechanical and electrical infrastructure, improved compliance, enhanced accessibility and significantly improved user experience. New furniture layouts, laboratory workstations and teaching facilities provide greater flexibility for students and teaching staff, while the upgraded building services improve comfort and long-term reliability.
Through careful planning and coordination, the project was completed within the fixed eight-week summer programme, ensuring the facilities were fully operational for the start of the new academic year with zero disruption to teaching activities.
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