Project
description
Lodestone Projects was appointed to undertake the refurbishment and fit out of multiple spaces within the James Graham Building at Leeds Beckett University. The university, which runs two campuses within the city, required modern and adaptable teaching environments to support evolving academic needs.
The scheme involved the fast-track delivery over 8 weeks of two new twenty-five person computer labs, two new fifty person teaching spaces, a social space, and a dedicated drop-in study zone. Two of the designated spaces were handed over in a shell state, ready for Lodestone to complete the full fit out, including new partitions, ceilings, raised access flooring, floor coverings and decorations. The third space was handed over in a less advanced state, requiring internal strip-out before works began.
In addition to the internal fit out works, Lodestone also undertook specialist heritage stone cleaning works to restore and preserve the Grade II listed brickwork facades.
The project was delivered under a NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract, promoting a collaborative and initiative-taking approach to project management. Lodestone’s familiarity with NEC4 process enabled clear communication, effective risk management and early resolution of issues.
Project
challenges
The first key challenge on the project was the quick programme for the fit-out works. Lodestone was tasked with delivering a high-specification refurbishment within just 8 weeks, requiring meticulous planning and execution across multiple trades.
An added complication arose when crucial Mechanical & Electrical design information was not finalised until Week 5 of the programme due to the very short lead in period. This significantly compressed the installation period on an already tight schedule. To mitigate the impact, Lodestone held weekly co-ordination meetings with the client, design team and subcontractors to enable fast decision making and resolution of outstanding technical queries.
Further complexity was introduced by the requirement to undertake the strip-out and fit-out of another space from Week 3, where a drop-in study space was to be created. This involved a full refurbishment including new wiring, flooring and finishes in just 3 weeks. With two live projects running concurrently successful delivery relied on trusted sub-contractors and detailed logistical co-ordination.
Other challenges included working within a fully operational, occupied university building. This required careful planning to avoid disruption to staff and students while supporting site safety and project momentum.
Project
highlights
Project
outcome
The project was successfully delivered on time, within the 8 week programme and within the agreed budget. Completion was achieved with minimal snags. The works were delivered in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University staff and stakeholders, ensuring continuity of campus operations and minimal disruption to end users.
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