Turner & Townsend, the global programme management consultancy, has been appointed by Oxford Brookes University in a multi-disciplinary role, as project and cost manager on the University’s estates project framework to deliver their £130m major refurbishment programme.
The University’s framework is part of their 10-year improvement plan, which aims to create spaces to inspire students, and strengthen its position as a leading university and further enhance the status of a degree from Oxford Brookes University.
As part of the appointment, the consultancy is delivering the turnkey design, and revamping both the Sinclair and Clerici Buildings at Headington in Oxford, one of the University’s four campuses.
The Clerici building, which will cost £20m to refit, will become the new home for the Faculty of Business – expected to move from the Wheatley Campus by 2017 at the latest. It will also include a new main lecture theatre, multi-functional hall and support areas.
The Sinclair Building is a £9m STEM-funded* refurbishment of an existing building on the Gypsy Lane site, home to the Psychology department and a number of departments within Health and Life Sciences.
It is also responsible for relocating the University’s Ferndale campus in Swindon – home to part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences – and refitting a recently acquired building at Delta Office Park in the Wiltshire town.
Turner & Townsend has a long working relationship with the University and previously delivered the award-winning John Henry Brookes Building – the largest of the University’s refurbishment projects – which includes the main reception, new library, student union, cafe and lounge areas, teaching spaces and lecture theatre.
The consultancy, which is leading the latest projects, is working alongside architects Berman Guedes Stretton – whose partners are all Oxford Brookes alumni.
Tim Jervis, Director at Turner & Townsend, said: “We are thrilled to be working closely with the University again to create high-value design solutions.The University is renowned for its world-class teaching and we are delighted to support with the delivery of buildings and facilities to match.”
“Our long-running and strong relationship with Oxford Brookes has meant we fully understand the sensitivities of carrying out major works and the potential impact on staff, students and the local community. The big challenge is to continue to deliver cost-effective schemes off the back of such success with the John Henry Brookes building.”
Sue Holmes, Director of Estates at Oxford Brookes University and current chair of the Association of University Directors of Estates, added:“We have been extremely impressed with Turner & Townsend, and we knew their openness, flexibility and collaborative day-to-day working would help to successfully deliver on multiple future projects.
“In order to continue to attract and retain high-calibre staff and students, Oxford Brookes University needs to ensure that its excellent reputation for teaching and research is matched by a high-quality estate.”
* STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The Higher Education Funding Council for England provides teaching capital funding, intended to ensure that higher education responds effectively to the increase in demand for STEM studies by developing facilities that will support an increased flow of highly employable graduates into industry.
