Work has started on a £13.1 million building modernisation project at the University of Leicester.

Stepnell has been appointed to upgrade the Percy Gee Building by extending and enhancing the East Wing of the multi-purpose facility.

Designed by Shepheard Epstein Hunter architects, features include creating a four-storey extension, housing additional facilities including a large new food court; double the amount of space for social learning and a new informatics lab for the study of information science.

In addition, a new façade and entrance for the East Wing will provide increased accessibility and improve the way the building connects to the rest of the campus, including the University's main square. The energy-efficient extension will also achieve a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good', incorporating energy-saving technology including solar shading.

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Brita Sread, director of Estates and Campus Services at the University of Leicester, said: "We are pleased to welcome Stepnell to the team to deliver an exciting project within our investment programme. These plans will complete the modernisation of the Percy Gee Building and deliver an extension to match the quality of the rest of the Students' Union.

"Situated in the heart of the campus, the building is the focal point for student activity and this development will give us a student hub that we can be proud of. The impressive new eastern facade will also establish a direct link between the vibrant atria space already within the Students' Union, and the newly completed public square which is a site for major student and public events.

"This is just one of a number of investment projects planned over the next 10 years in order to support the delivery of world-class academic activity and create an environment that fosters collaboration and achievement."

Stepnell's Nottingham regional director, Thomas Sewell, added: "This major project will transform the facilities offered by the East Wing, ensuring that they meet the extremely high standards set by the rest of the building.

"We are delighted to be working once again with the University of Leicester to further enhance the student experience by completing the redevelopment of this important facility at the heart of campus life."

Image credit: Shepheard Epstein Hunter.

(LM/MH)