- Turner & Townsend has been appointed to deliver turnkey services for two major construction projects at Durham University
- The independent professional services consultancy has been selected alongside architects Faulkner Brown, engineer Buro Happold, landscape architect LUC and planning Consultant DPP One
- One scheme involves providing a new world-class 8,000 sq m Centre for Teaching and Learning at Lower Mountjoy
- Other projects include construction of state-of-the-art sports facilities at the prestigious Russell Group university
Global consultancy Turner & Townsend has won the contract to provide turnkey services for two major construction projects at Durham University, one of the world’s leading research universities.
The independent professional services company, together with architects Faulkner Brown, engineer Buro Happold, landscape architect LUC and planning consultant DPP One, has been selected to take on the entire responsibility from design through completion and commissioning of the two schemes.
The new Centre for Teaching and Learning at Lower Mountjoy would be an 8,000 sq m world-class facility, housing state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities including lecture theatres, teaching rooms, seminar rooms, education labs for developing new teaching and training methods, student learning zones and catering facilities. Outside term time, it would be capable of hosting major academic conferences. It is anticipated the building would be completed for the 2019/20 academic year.
The second project is the enhanced Maiden Castle Sports Park. There would be a new 3G football/rugby pitch and two new water-based hockey pitches. The existing building would be extended to include an indoor sports hall, cricket facility and indoor tennis courts. It is anticipated all work would be completed by autumn 2018.
Both projects are part of the Durham University Estate Masterplan 2017 – 2027 which provides a guide as to how the University might develop its estate over the long-term. The Masterplan has already been subject to extensive consultation, including four days of consultation in Durham City and Stockton in October 2016 which were attended by over 300 members of the public and University staff and students.
Public consultation on the proposals for the Centre for Teaching and Learning and Maiden Castle Sports Park took place in Durham in March. Further information and an opportunity to comment on the proposals is available at www.durham.ac.uk/about/strategy/masterplan until Friday 7 April.
Turner & Townsend will deliver a full service for both schemes including project management and cost consultancy with overall responsibility for commissioning including architecture, landscaping, planning, civil & structural engineering, building services engineering, fire engineering, whole life costings and environmental assessment BREEAM.
David Gardner, Director for Turner & Townsend, said: “We are thrilled to be working closely with Durham University to create high-value design solutions. The University is renowned for its world-class teaching and research, and we are delighted to support with the delivery of buildings and sport facilities.
“Our team not only has the strength and depth of experience but also the capability and capacity to deliver two large but distinct types of scheme concurrently.
“Our strong relationship with Durham University has meant we fully understand the sensitivities of carrying out major works and the potential impact on staff, students and the local community. The big challenge is to continue to deliver cost-effective schemes.”
Jane Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Durham University, added: “We are very pleased to appoint Turner and Townsend and look forward to working with them on these very important projects.
“In order to continue to attract and retain high-calibre staff and students, Durham University needs to ensure that its excellent reputation for research, education and the student experience is matched by a high-quality estate.
“We encourage an open dialogue on our estate plans and are consulting thoroughly with our staff, students and the wider community to inform and shape our proposals.”