Improving your campus and facilities
Mon, 30 Sep 2013 11:35:00 BST
A warm welcome back to our returning students and of course a big ‘hello’ to all new students, from your Estates and Facilities Department.
About us:
Your Estates and Facilities team are responsible for the buildings, infrastructure and major development projects on campus. We also operate most of the catering services and the sports facilities so the department has an impact on every student, member of staff and visitor to the University.
This summer has been an incredibly busy time, with a total of 18 projects taking place in 28 different locations across campus. We’re investing over £34 million in improving the quality of our buildings and services and we want to provide you with a quick update on some of the projects.
The Learning and Leisure Centre (LLC)
The glorious weather over the summer period has helped to keep work on the new Learning and Leisure Centre on track. This £23 million building will provide a vibrant focus for student life on campus, with state-of-the-art fitness and sports facilities and new catering outlets offering a wider range of food and drink. It will also provide a new home to the Students’ Union. Our architects tell us that no other University has developed anything like it, providing students and staff with a unique hub on campus. The LLC is due to open in January 2014, so keep an eye out for further updates over the coming weeks.
Big Window Project in Central Services Building (CSB)
You may have noticed that the Central Service Building has disappeared behind scaffolding and screening – as we’re replacing all 2,530 windows. The total length of the glass needed came to an astonishing 2.5km. Due to the size of the project and its complexity it will take over a year to complete. The work is being undertaken by local contractors so it’s also having a positive impact on the local economy and employment, supporting over 200 jobs in the Huddersfield area.
Read more here: CSB Refurbishment
Improvement to the interior of the Science Building
Refurbishment work on the corridors within the Science Building is currently taking place with Phase One recently completed. This work will not only improve the look and atmosphere of the building (which dates from the late 1930s), it will also improve the circulation areas for a better student experience. With the costs exceeding £1 million in total, Phase Two is planned to be completed by next summer.
Repairs to the West Building
Our major £1.1 million repair project to the West Building is on-going. Concrete repairs to the framework and repairs to the roof and draining systems are all being undertaken to help extend the building life. The lifts and boiler plan have also been replaced to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.
Rebuilding of Commercial Street retaining wall
Work has just been completed on rebuilding a retaining wall on Commercial Street (the cobbled street leading from the University to Firth Street). This job, although quite minor compared to some of the other projects happening around campus, was essential for the stability of the infrastructure of surrounding buildings.
£1.5m Lottery funding for major heritage project
The University of Huddersfield’s Archives and Special Collections has been successful in attracting a grant of £1,585,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new Archive Centre will ensure that the collections are accessible to everyone, free of charge. The space currently occupied by Cafe on 3rd in the Central Services Building will be converted, once the Learning and Leisure Centre is completed and fully open. The Estates and Facilities department will be responsible for fitting out the area for students, staff and for the general public to enjoy.
Follow the archive blog here: Heritage @ Huddersfield blog
Get in touch!
We’ll be providing regular updates throughout the year to keep you posted on how we’re working to improve your services and facilities on campus. We’d also like to hear from you if you have any comments, queries or suggestions for the Estates and Facilities Department.
Please get in touch via email at estates@hud.ac.uk
