GRAHAM Construction secures £13m university contract wins

GRAHAM Construction has secured a trio of new contracts worth £13.4m as its North of England division continues to grow.

The Salford-based Northern division has won new build and refurbishment contracts with the University of Manchester, University of York and University of Chester.

The three contracts fall within the higher education sector, a specialist area for GRAHAM Construction:

In July, GRAHAM will start construction work a new teaching block at the University of York worth £8m, which is expected to be completed in January 2016.

The three-storey building will provide a new gateway to the Heslington West Campus and consists of a 350-person lecture theatre and 26 seminar rooms, which can house 20 students per room.

The second floor forms a large social learning space with three seminar rooms which have the flexibility to be opened up to create larger spaces for exams, conferencing and other extra-curricular activities. Race Cottam Associates are the architects.

GRAHAM recently commenced work on the £3m extension to the Seaborne Library at the University of Chester. The new two-storey extension features internal reconfiguration, refurbishment, minor demolition and diversion/replacement of Mechanical & Electrical services to create new circulation space, communal areas and office accommodation.

Furthermore, the £2.4m refurbishment of Greenwood Block Hall of Residence at Hulme Hall, University of Manchester, involves a significant refurbishment of 72 student bedrooms with associated kitchens and bathrooms. To minimise disruption works will take place during the 10-week summer holiday period.

Gary Hughes, GRAHAM regional director for the North of England, said: “GRAHAM has significant expertise within the education sector and we look forward to building on our relationships with some of the UK’s largest and most prestigious universities.

“We continue to grow our presence in the North of England and have established a good reputation as a quality and reliable contractor. We have had a strong start to the year on the back of recent project wins to refurbish the Piece Hall and build a new library and archive in Halifax, and a new science building for Liverpool Hope University.

“GRAHAM prides itself on collaborative developments, working both with clients and communities to deliver safe, sustainable and integrated projects. This is demonstrated by the raft of Considerate Constructor Scheme National Site Awards that GRAHAM has achieved this year.”