Kier North East has been awarded a £2.7m contract to refurbish the Ellison Building for the Northumbria University in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The work will comprise three phases to include the refurbishment of existing lecture theatres and laboratories.

The contract is to be split between the summers of 2009 and 2010 to minimise disruption to the university.


The first phase, which involves the complete refurbishment of the first, third and fifth floors of the Ellison Building, started on site last week.

The Kier North East team and subcontractors are working closely together to achieve the successful completion of this demanding programme by the end of October, making way for the 14-week second phase.

The final phase, comprising the complete refurbishment of the laboratories and chemistry department, is programmed to start during the summer break next year. It will be completed that August, ready for the new batch of students to use in September 2010.

(CD/BMcC)