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Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Following a competitive tender process we were instructed to carry out a comprehensive remodel and refurbishment of the third floor North Wing at the Richmond Building in Clifton, Bristol. The challenge was to create a new flag ship teaching hub for the school of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in little over 7 weeks throughout the summer recess period. The further challenge was to carefully programme works in order to ensure no disturbance was caused to the adjoining floors which are home to the Universities prized events venue, the Hansom Rooms and the School for International Studies. Both remained in use for teaching, examinations and conferences throughout the contract period. Prior to the contract proceeding enabling works included recommissioning the buildings existing goods lift to stop at the third floor enabling access for materials to and from site via the basement loading bay. The lift recommission was also critical to enable the Universities decant of the space by former administrative users prior to the site being handed over in two stages. Stage one included striping out of existing of some M&E services ready for alterations and additions. A number of meeting rooms were demolished. All waste was removed via euro bins and goods lift to the skip in our site compound. Due to the short nature of the contract and the relatively open space we were working in, reconfiguration using jumbo stud and glazed partitions began prior to completion of all demolitions. The scope was to form five areas plus storage for Post Graduate and Undergraduate teaching, as well as administrative support. These comprised of a shared open study space, 3D print room, workshop and associated storage. The project included specialist joinery made teaching walls to provide group work spaces within the larger undergraduate teaching space so that the room could be used for both large lectures as well as smaller group based tutorial type sessions. The 7nr. teaching walls included fold out whiteboards, pin boards and touch screens for students to plug laptops in too. The initial design was built by our selected workshop prior to a number of meetings with project steakholders including the final one at our suppliers workshop in order to develop the design sufficiently to a user friendly solution. The project also involved the formation of 6nr. group study pods manufactured on site including use of acoustic foam within the padded upholstered walls and ceilings to provide sound deadening qualities when several users work in the area side by side. During the strip out some joinery was salvaged for the refit and additional joinery made to match salvaged / existing. The existing heating system was reconfigured to suit the new space and new ventilation was installed prior to new lighting and acoustic ceiling rafts being installed on the ceilings. Works also included alterations and additional data, power, fire and intruder alarm works. So not to disturb the adjacent floors mentioned previously all fixings and works that caused vibration took place out of normal working hours. The space was completed with a full redecoration and vinyl / carpet floor coverings throughout. Store rooms were fitted out with racking. The University procured furniture direct while the department procured work benches, storage wall and reception desk from a former student who recently set up his own business following successfully completing his degree with them through our contract. Stage two of the project started approx. 4 weeks in to the programme and included a light touch refurb to a large office space, adjoining reception area and 5nr. meeting rooms. The space was redecorated, minor alterations made, additional lighting, power and data fitted and deep cleaned ready for the new users to move in. Following completion we assisted setting up of telephones, IT and multi media equipment to ensure the move went smoothly for the new users from their previous location. All works were successfully completed within the programme and handed back to the University in September 2017.