Britcon win £800k contract to transform listed building for University of Huddersfield

The Yorkshire office of building and civil engineering contractor, Britcon has secured an £800k contract to refurbish a Grade II* listed building for the University of Huddersfield.

The Sir John Ramsden Court building is to be transformed from 12 existing residential flats to provide 6785 sq.ft of office accommodation for the University.

A former canal warehouse and one of Huddersfield’s oldest buildings dating back to 1774, the site was named after Sir John Ramsden, whose family once owned much of the land around Huddersfield and is located opposite the road from the end of the Huddersfield Broad Canal, which is also known as the Sir John Ramsden Canal.

Britcon’s refurbish work is part of the overall redevelopment of the University’s Queensgate Campus. The university, which originally owned the building but sold it for residential use in the 1980’s, has since bought it back to include on the overall campus regeneration plans.Â

Britcon secured the contract via the YORbuild framework and is working for building surveyors firm AHR Huddersfield acting as project manager. Whilst maintaining the existing listed façade, Britcon will remove the internal apartments and install modern, open plan office accommodation over the three floors. This includes structural, mechanical and engineering and finishing works.

Ian Chapman, regional manager at Britcon, said: “We are delighted to secure another contract in the education sector where we have significant expertise. The project presents a number logistical challenges because of its canal side setting and we are working closely with the Canal and River Trust. We are also working closely with the University to ensure internal fixtures support department functionality.“

Tim Hosker, deputy director of estates at the University of Huddersfield, added: “The use of the building as office accommodation will fulfil a need and meet a shortfall for this type of accommodation in the university. We intend to locate our Careers, International office there.  We are pleased to appoint Britcon which has demonstrated strong credentials in delivering inclusive refurbishment works on sensitive projects.“

Britcon expects to complete the works by February 2016.

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