Stepnell is reinforcing its reputation as a leading higher education specialist in Oxfordshire through a series of major projects with the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University.

Currently, Stepnell is undertaking a £3.3 million refurbishment at the University of Oxford’s Henry Wellcome Building. The project, set for completion in September, is modernising specialist molecular physiology and particle imaging laboratories in a live, fully operational research environment. The work requires intricate coordination with university stakeholders such as the Nuffield Department of Medicine, alongside project partners Gleeds and TMD.

To protect sensitive equipment, including electron microscopes, Stepnell is methodically relocating laboratory apparatus as refurbishment progresses.

"It is incredibly rewarding for our team based in Wantage to be supporting a nearby institution that is world-leading in education and research," said Mark Knowlden, senior project manager at Stepnell. "With a proven track record in delivering live refurbishments, laboratory upgrades and sensitive heritage work, our collaborative approach, local investment, and technical expertise enables us to deliver complex refurbishments that importantly remain on time and cost effective."


Stepnell's local engagement has been significant, with 70% of the project's expenditure allocated to businesses within 30 miles of the site. Five local employees have been hired or retained, and social value has also been a priority. The team repurposed old laboratory equipment and contributed £1,100 in materials to help Longworth Primary School build a new mud kitchen, yielding a 30% return on investment in social value.

In addition to its work at the University of Oxford, Stepnell completed a series of summer refurbishment projects for Oxford Brookes University under the Pagabo framework last year. These included an £805,000 overhaul of teaching areas at the John Henry Brookes Building and a £350,000 upgrade to fire containment and ventilation systems in the Gibbs Building.

Neil Ward, assistant director of capital projects at Oxford Brookes University, praised Stepnell's contribution: “The creation of two large teaching spaces within our John Henry Brookes Building has been an important project for the University. As part of our Oxford Campus Vision, we are in the process of bringing together our Oxford-based activity on the Headington Campus and these high-quality spaces and improvements to the Gibbs building have helped to ensure we continue providing an excellent student and staff experience.

"Our campus spaces need to respond to the evolving needs of the University’s community and the rapidly changing world of education. We are pleased to have worked with Stepnell on this project as they have helped to make this a reality and understood the importance of ensuring work was completed in time for the 2024/25 academic year."