Bardsley Construction has started work on a £6 million redevelopment project at the University of Huddersfield.

The company is redesigning and refitting the Joseph Priestly Building. Completion is scheduled towards the end of 2017.

Features include gutting the lowest three of the four storeys of the building, with a complete remodel on the inside. Externally, a new façade – featuring finned metal cladding – will be installed to harmonise with the aesthetics of the surrounding campus.


With the recent completion of the £28m Oastler Building in April, the Joseph Priestley can be turned into a dedicated science block.

As part of the project, a link is being developed to connect the building to an all-new science block planned for an adjacent space currently in use as a car park. In addition, a new £30m home for the School of Art, Design and Architecture is also being developed, to be known as the Barbara Hepworth Building. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2019.

Rick Smeaton, Bardsley regional manager in Yorkshire, said: "This contract represents our first major project for the University of Huddersfield and provides our Yorkshire office with an ideal opportunity to enhance our reputation for the delivery of high quality and bespoke educational facilities."

(LM/MH)