Interserve has won another design and build contract with the University of Birmingham worth just over £8m.

This latest contract, won in competition, will see Interserve take back to its shell part of a Grade II listed building – Aston Webb C Block – before work begins.

In January, the company announced that it is also set to begin work in April on the University's new £55m sports centre, and both projects are part of a wider campus development scheme.

The latest project will provide a new Student Hub for the University and will involve the removal and demolition of the majority of the non-original partitions, mezzanine floors, external plant rooms and part-original first floor. Significant structural works will be required to ensure the integrity of the existing structure, while the original building envelope is to be restored with masonry walls and roof being insulated internally and the original single glazed metal window system is to be refurbished. A secondary glazing system is also to be inserted behind to provide a robust thermal and airtight line. 1,900 metal window systems are to be refurbished with new secondary glazing systems.


Once completed, the renovated and refurbished building will offer approximately 3,500m2 of internal floor space, including 1,400m2 of new mezzanine areas. New facilities will then include a 250-seat lecture theatre with break-out support spaces, a 170m2 student services hub, seminar rooms, plus new internal and external mechanical plant areas.

Work is set to start on site in March this year with completion scheduled for June 2015. Interserve's design partner on the project is Associated Architects of Birmingham.

(CD)