
Teesside University required the full strip out and refurbishment of five lecture theatres across its Middlesbrough Tower and Constantine Buildings.
The existing lecture theatre seating was in the process of being refurbished, with new ceilings, flooring, acoustics, joinery and services installed to each area. The Stairwell refurbishment relates to the refurbishment of the Middlesbrough Tower Northern and Southern Stairwells, which were being refurbished over 10 levels, all while remaining fully operational.
New lighting, finishes and joinery were being provided throughout. Following a competitive tender exercise, Lodestone secured both schemes, which were then combined into a single contract, with works commencing in June 2022 and marking our first project for the University.
The key challenge of the Lecture Theatre related to programme. Within eight weeks, all five theatres needed to be stripped and refurbished, with long lead in mechanical equipment provided to each to improve the air quality for students.
Highly detailed suspended ceilings were to be introduced to each room. To manage this, we worked closely with our mechanical specialist to design and develop compliant, high quality mechanical service installations which were readily obtainable within the programme period.
We worked on one lecture theatre two weeks ahead of the rest, to provide a sample benchmark of details and quality, which was then replicated across the remaining theatres. To the Stairwell Refurbishment, the key challenge related to health and safety and the management of its fire strategy. While students are away, staff remain on site and the stair cores formed the access and fire escape for Middlesbrough Tower.
The works were closely phased to allow the refurbishment to take place, one level at a time, to ensure individual levels of a stair core were taken out of use during any one time.
The project was completed on time, with no disruptions, health and safety or quality issues.