A £4m refurbishment of a flagship student hall of residence at the University of Manchester has been completed.
The two-year scheme to upgrade Houldsworth Hall was handled by construction project management company Recom Solutions, which is based at Salford Quays.
MC Construction, based in Salford, was the main contractor for the project, which was undertaken during the summer holidays in 2016 and this year.
The scheme was completed in time for the start of the new academic year.
Built in 1907, the 58-bedroom Houldsworth Hall is the oldest of seven blocks at the University’s Hulme Hall campus in Victoria Park and has grade II listed building status.
Houldsworth Hall
The refurbishment has seen upgrades to the building’s structure as well as the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, communal areas and the music room.
Recom led the project from feasibility and co-ordinated the phases of works.
Director Jason McKnight said: “Houldsworth Hall is the oldest purpose-built student accommodation facility in Manchester. The heritage surrounding this project was a key focus for the design team and contractor, so the materials used matched the original features and blended with the existing fabric of the building.
Hall student bedroom
“The result of the refurbishment is something of which everyone involved can be justly proud.”
He added: “Delivering this scheme adds another string to Recom’s bow in terms of well-delivered, well-managed, difficult schemes.
“We thrive in high-pressure environments, especially on projects as complex and fast-paced as this with tight timescales to complete both phases.”
Eugene O’Callaghan, commercial director at MC Construction, said: “Our team and all those involved in the supply chain worked extremely hard, including at weekends, to get this project over the line.
“The collaborative approach taken by all parties has led to a fantastic outcome. For MC Construction, this project strengthens our experience of successfully completing student accommodation contracts.”
