In the drive to reduce the University’s carbon footprint, University House, which is currently the University’s highest carbon-producing building, is set to be refurbished. Approximately £12 million will be invested in improvements to the building.

The key objectives are to increase comfort for building users and renew ageing life safety systems, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the potential for future investment in both the building and across the University campus.

Acquired by the University 20 years ago, the building is now 30 years old, with much of the original installations still in place. The heating system is at the end of its serviceable life, and the maintenance team works hard to keep the building heated and cooled. However, the working environment is to be improved for the occupants.

The building houses the University’s professional and administrative services staff, and this project provides the opportunity to reconsider working practices and increase the building’s capacity to accommodate more staff in support of the University’s Hybrid Working policy. Where possible, the project will include SMART technologies to reduce wasteful usage of the building.

Through collaborative working, colleagues have successfully secured grant funding of £2 million to partially fund the replacement of windows and the installation of air-source heat pumps.

We are currently preparing the project information to issue for tender, where we aim to work with a contractor to further develop the designs and enhance value for the project.

The project is scheduled to commence on-site in June 2025.