Category: Construction
Complete construction partner Stepnell has finished two refurbishment projects for the University of Southampton, enhancing support for teaching and residential provision ahead of the start of the next academic year.
The refurbishment of the Nightingale Building, part of the university’s School of Health Sciences, has reconfigured existing areas and created new rooms to provide modern training facilities and mock-up wards. These meet the latest NHS specification for teaching programs across nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, podiatry, and cardiac physiology.
Stepnell completed design adjustments in collaboration with the design team and client stakeholders, prioritising energy efficiency considerations, diverting 96% of waste from landfill and a strong focus on utilising local suppliers, sourcing two thirds of contractors from within 30 miles of the site.
Stepnell has also completed a multi-million pound refurbishment of the university’s Old Terrace student accommodation at the Glen Eyre halls of residence, ready to meet the needs of the university’s growing student population.
The comprehensive refurbishment, completed over a 24-week programme, includes a complete replacement of communal kitchens, reconfiguring communal washrooms into self-contained pods with showers, WCs, and toilets, as well as external refurbishments.
Early contractor engagement, detailed surveys, and strategic procurement planning allowed Stepnell to de-risk main works packages and secure necessary materials with long lead times.
Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said:
“These refurbishment projects combine our excellence in education and healthcare sector projects in the South of England. Operating from our Southampton office, we were able to maximise our local supply chain to meet the university’s requirements and create opportunities through the builds, navigating scheduling and design refinements. “The successful refurbishment of the Nightingale Building and the Old Terrace underscores Stepnell’s capability to deliver high-quality construction projects under tight deadlines, demonstrating a strong commitment to client satisfaction and excellence in construction. “Through robust client engagement, sector specialism and a proactive approach, we were able to maintain seamless operations without additional costs, which has enabled the university to revitalise its existing teaching and accommodation resources for the next academic year.”
Declan O’Riordan of Cliftons Projects, acting on behalf of the university, said:
“The refurbished Nightingale Building will provide a crucial hub for the Department of Nursing and Midwifery and the Department of Allied Health Professions. This facility is instrumental in training future healthcare professionals, providing state-of-the-art mock-up wards, teaching areas, and conference rooms, and we are pleased that Stepnell could deliver to meet NHS standards.”
Malcolm Wright of Cliftons Projects, acting on behalf of the university for the Old Terrace accommodation refurbishment, said:
“Stepnell’s team has shown remarkable adaptability to changes, absorbing additional work and contract modifications within the original schedule, including addressing an unexpected mains water supply issue. This was facilitated by their early engagement and effective de-risking of the project, which will provide a safe and welcoming environment where students feel at home.”
Jonathan Face, director of special projects at the University of Southampton, said:
“I would like to thank Stepnell for their hard work, dedication and professionalism while completing both refurbishment projects for the University. The refurbishment projects will not only enhance our campus but will contribute to shaping the minds and careers of countless students for years to come.”
