The commercial refurbishment division at J Tomlinson has completed the renovation of the University of Sheffield’s Ella Armstrong Building – previously known as the Bio-Incubator – which is now a base for many of the university’s energy researchers.
The building has undergone a full, three-storey modernisation of its laboratory and office spaces. Managed by J Tomlinson, works spanned the first, second and third floors of the building, comprising the subdivision of existing rooms with glazed partitions and stud walls, adaptation of existing ventilation, power and lighting, and the replacement of existing finishes. LED lighting was also implemented to help maintain the university’s dedicated approach to reducing its carbon emissions.
Working within live research facilities, J Tomlinson’s approach was tailored to minimising disruption to staff, students and visitors, as well as overcoming site constraints associated with the building’s high-profile location. This was achieved through phased working, meticulous site management and J Tomlinson’s own extensive experience in successfully delivering refurbishment projects within live educational environments.
Pete Woods, construction director at J Tomlinson, commented: “We are pleased to have been the principal contractor on this refurbishment project for the University of Sheffield.
“This was a very exciting project for everyone involved, and we enjoyed working alongside Sheffield University to provide a stimulating environment for everyone working in the building.”
Gaynor Bradshaw-Wilson, the university’s project manager on the refurbishment scheme, commented: “We are pleased with the completed project, which has significantly enhanced the facilities for our energy researchers and with the way in which J Tomlinson conducted themselves whilst delivering the project on a live site.”
The project is one of the latest in J Tomlinson’s education portfolio, which includes school, college, university and student accommodation schemes.
Nottingham-based J Tomlinson, which was founded in the 1950s and employs around 470 people, works primarily across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire. The company provides a range of integrated building services including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, and facilities management.
