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Home Projects Enterprise Zone, The University of the West of England, Bristol

Enterprise Zone, The University of the West of England, Bristol

Contract Value: £5.6 million 

Main Contractor: BAM Construction

Client: University of the West of England

A flagship facility at the forefront of innovation and research, where entrepreneurs and businesses can interact with academia.

F P Hurley successfully secured the mechanical and electrical contract for the scheme, which is located on the University’s Frenchay Campus in Bristol.  The building provides quality space for new and growing businesses to access specialist facilities and support from the University. It will also house the Bristol Robotics Laboratory.

The project involved the refurbishment and remodelling of an existing 4250m2 building, including an internal fit-out, as well as extensive mechanical and electrical upgrades and installations. Working in partnership with BAM Construction, Tony Syddall of BAM Construction Ltd, said:

“The really striking part of the works is the M&E installation. An eye-popping, exposed mezzanine-like floor of pipework and ducts, housing the extensive walk-through services arrangement. Category one suppliers FP Hurley have worked on the scheme. They are all exceptionally good.”

Overcoming Challenges: An Ambitious Programme

Our team were heavily involved with this project from the start. The programme allowed ten weeks for the design and full coordination of the mechanical and electrical services into the existing building using BIM. The expertise of our in-house design team in using BIM was fundamental in achieving key start dates, and the use of BIM aided early resolution of any coordination issues before the installation phase. The project went onto win an award for its collaborative design approach. The construction phase programme was also very tight, considering the installation of complex services it involved. We used off-site fabrication to reduce installation time on-site, and by doing so ensured high-quality workmanship. We also took BIM to the field, so fitters could be given a walk-through of the installation, which proved highly informative and successful for the coordination between trades.

Business as usual

It was critical that the team made sure the programme and phasing of works were effective for the whole supply chain, so the University can maintain a 'business as usual' approach. Working in and around occupied premises guidelines were implemented, so that any unacceptable disruption to the University and the public was avoided. A substantial temporary heating plant was installed, with several complex change-overs required to keep heating, water services and ventilation operational within the adjacent buildings.

HRH Prince Andrew opens Enterprise Zone

Following the completion of the UWE Enterprise Zone project in January 2017, the University has welcomed royalty to its new Future Space facility as HRH The Duke of York officially opened the Enterprise Zone. Attended by F P Hurley Project Engineer Robert Pengelly, the event saw Prince Andrew host Pitch@Palace, where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to an audience, receiving support from potential backers, including CEOs, mentors and business partners. We are proud to have been part of such a prestigious project, providing a state-of-the-art innovation facility for innovative start-ups and SMEs. The project was an outstanding success and exceeded client expectations, going on to win an award for its collaborative design approach.

F P Hurley’s impressive scope of services included the following:

  • Two 150kW Chillers
  • Four 800kW Boilers
  • Long-term Temporary Boiler Plant
  • Multiple Plant Room Installations
  • Mechanical Ventilation
  • Heat Recovery Air Handling Units
  • Chilled Beams
  • Fan Coil Units
  • Extensive Pipework Distribution
  • Thermal Insulation
  • BMS Controls

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