Lancaster University Management School

TRANSFORMING A UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT SCHOOL TO CREATE MODERN TEACHING AND RESEARCH FACILITIES

Client: Lancaster University

Conlon Construction completed the £19m refurbishment of the East Estate at Lancaster University Management School, modernising a 6,778m², four-storey academic building to support teaching, research and collaboration. Designed by principal architect Cassidy + Ashton, the project involved the comprehensive refurbishment of the existing 1970s building within a live university campus.

The Challenge

The existing building required extensive refurbishment to meet modern teaching and research requirements, including the replacement of building services, structural and façade improvements and enhanced accessibility. All works had to be coordinated across four floors, with restricted logistics access and safe separation between construction activities and university operations.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a comprehensive refurbishment programme, including:

  • Full internal strip-out and removal of existing mechanical and electrical services
  • Reconfiguration of teaching, seminar, research and meeting spaces
  • New breakout areas, informal study spaces and staff facilities
  • Specialist facilities, including a Bloomberg Suite, prayer rooms and café
  • Construction of a glazed link corridor connecting the East Estate to the University Spine and West Pavilion
  • Structural alterations and façade modifications
  • Replacement and integration of mechanical, electrical and ventilation systems
  • Connection to the university’s district heating network
  • Roof replacement, façade repairs and masonry works
  • Installation of energy-efficient glazing, new partitions, acoustic treatments, flooring and ceilings
  • New passenger lift and improved accessibility routes
  • Phased construction, fire-rated hoarding and controlled pedestrian routes to maintain safe campus operations

The Outcome

The completed East Estate provides Lancaster University Management School with modern teaching, research and collaboration facilities, alongside upgraded amenities for students and staff. Refurbishing the existing building rather than replacing it with a new development achieved a carbon saving of more than 80% compared with an equivalent new build, estimated at over 4,700 tonnes of carbon. The project represents Conlon’s largest education scheme to date.

Our Social Value Impact

  • 74% local labour, with the workforce sourced from within 30 miles of the site
  • 208 apprenticeship weeks delivered across 15 apprentices, including two supported directly by Conlon Construction and 13 through the supply chain
  • Achieved a Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 45/45