University of Warwick - refurbishment of 2 x student accommodation blocks

Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, with a widely acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, and over 25,600 undergraduate, post-graduate and overseas students currently enrolled.

In 2018, J Tomlinson was appointed to undertake over £4m of refurbishment work across two of the Arthur Vick accommodation blocks situated on the university’s main campus on Coventry. Works would entail the full decoration of circa 250 bedrooms and bathrooms, along with communal and circulation spaces within each three-storey block. It was critical to the university that works were completed in time for the new term, when new undergraduates would be moving in to the university’s halls of residence.

The scheme is the second completed for the university by the J Tomlinson and follows a £1m refurbishment project at the Avon building on the Westwood Campus. The project was delivered by our commercial refurbishment and regeneration divisions – representing an integrated approach by J Tomlinson.

Works were completed on time and to budget, with students moving in to the revitalised halls of residence during early September.

Fast-track programme

To ensure that works were completed in time for the new university year, a 10-week fast-track programme was implemented, with both student accommodation blocks refurbished concurrently, and up to 160 operatives on site during peak times, and an average of 80 on site per day.

During the nine-week mobilisation period that preceded the works, J Tomlinson worked with the university to compose a comprehensive and well-structured programme which involved procurement and site planning, and accommodated the quick time-scale of the project. The fact that J Tomlinson had already undertaken refurbishment work on behalf of the university meant that we were familiar with the main campus and its various routes and landmarks.

Major improvement works were undertaken within the halls of residence, including installation of new aluminium windows and en-suite shower rooms, full rewiring of lighting, and new floor coverings throughout each block. Other elements of work included the replacement of sanitary ware, new plumbing and extractor fans to en-suites, fire stopping works, small power, data cabling, sub-mains cabling and fire alarm works, along with a new heat exchanger and ancillary works to the mechanical plant. Motion sensor LED lighting was installed within bathrooms and corridors with the intentions of helping to reduce the university’s environmental impact, as well as protecting students.

A number of the operatives on the scheme were trainees and apprentices, including one Warwick University student who was studying cladding and was provided with a part-time job on site to help further the individual’s studies and work experience.

Live university environment

Although works took place during the summer break, the campus was still live and busy, with many high-profile events taking place including graduations and examinations. J Tomlinson recognised the critical importance of avoiding disruption to the remainder of the campus and keeping all staff, students and operatives safe, utilising clear signage, daily reporting and toolbox talks, comprehensive visitor inductions, and a strict signing-in process to assist with this.

J Tomlinson enjoyed a transparent relationship with the university, meeting on site at least once a week and providing comprehensive reports covering health and safety, commercial and material assessments, as well as details of progress.

UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE - having previously undertaken refurbishment work on behalf of the university J Tomlinson is familiar with the campus and its operations and landmarks, including parking and logistical restrictions

STRONG PARTNERSHIP - We enjoyed a transparent relationship with the university, meeting on site at least once a week and providing comprehensive reports covering health and safety, commercial and material assessments, as well as details of progress. The team’s high-quality workmanship and dedicated approach was commended by the client upon completion of works

FAST-TRACK PROGRAMME - the requirement for expedited delivery of works saw J Tomlinson working seven days a week, refurbishing both blocks concurrently to complete the project in time for the new academic year. The project was completed on time and within budget

INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS – The refurbishment works were undertaken by J Tomlinson’s Commercial Refurbishment and Regeneration departments, representing a joint approach, and providing the client with one dedicated point of contact

LOCAL SUPPLY CHAIN – Tomlinson utilised local suppliers to assist with various aspects of work, including painting and decorating, cleaning and strip-out.