Stepnell has completed a multimillion-pound laboratory refurbishment at the University of Oxford, reinforcing its position as a leading contractor in the higher education sector.

The project involved the modernisation of specialist molecular physiology and particle imaging laboratories within the Henry Wellcome Building. Given the presence of highly sensitive scientific equipment, including electron microscopes, the works were delivered through a sectional completion approach. This enabled careful decanting of laboratory equipment while maintaining access to link rooms housing specialist facilities such as cryogenics, ensuring continuity of research activity.

Delivered within a live and fully operational environment, the refurbishment required close collaboration with a range of stakeholders. These included the Nuffield Department of Medicine, the principal client for the project, the University of Oxford, project managers TMD Building Consultancy and MEP consultants etch Associates.

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Mark Knowlden, senior project manager at Stepnell, said: “As a Wantage based firm, this has been an incredibly significant project for us in supporting refurbishments at one of the world's most prominent academic and research institutions.

"With a proven track record in delivering higher education upgrades, our technical expertise, consideration of operating in live site environments and collaborative approach has enabled us to deliver a complex refurbishment that will support Nuffield Department of Medicine and the university's continuous pursuit of delivering scientific excellence."

The project also delivered significant local and social value benefits. Around 70% of Stepnell’s project costs were spent with supply chain businesses located within 30 miles of the site, while five local employees were hired or retained during delivery. Community engagement initiatives included working with Longworth Primary School, where former laboratory equipment was repurposed and £1,100 of supply chain materials were donated to create a mud kitchen for pupils. Overall, the project achieved a 30% social value return on investment.

Duncan Rollo, project manager at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, said: "Over the duration of the project, a positive working relationship was developed between Stepnell, the department, TMD and lab users. This collaborative approach helped deliver to successfully deliver the project including an early handover, which was greatly appreciated by all stakeholders."

Stepnell is continuing its work at the University of Oxford and is currently delivering a further £1.7 million refurbishment of the physics laboratory in the Townsend Building at the Clarendon Laboratory, which is due for completion next year.