The two-block, seven-storey building on Charles Street, in the heart of Sheffield’s ‘cultural industries quarter’, will house the University’s Sheffield Institute of Education and will include a lecture theatre, cafes, flexible teaching spaces, event hosting spaces, and a data centre. Total space is 10,000m2.
Balfour Beatty’s contract is worth £23m.
Sited next to Butcher Works, a Grade II listed building, a central atrium will enclose the historical road, Brown Lane, which will run through the middle of the development maintaining the historical grid of the area. The design is deliberately sympathetic to the local heritage of the area and the use of traditional brickwork and Corten steel will align the development with the industrial nature of the surrounding buildings.
A link bridge, designed by Sheffield based designer Corin Mellor, will join the new building to the existing Arundel Building.
Balfour Beatty is using building information modelling (BIM) to create a full 4D design to aid the construction programme. BIM will also provide the basis for a building management system on handover.
Balfour Beatty Engineering Services will deliver mechanical and electrical (M&E) services including the data centre and solar panels. The building will also have a sedum roof to minimise its carbon footprint.
Balfour Beatty regional managing director Jon Adams said: “This project builds on our comprehensive portfolio in the higher education sector, in which we have been particularly successful in recent months. We are committed to working in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University to deliver a prestigious new University building which meets the needs of their students and partners now and into the future.”
Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering will commence piling works on the project next month and the building will be completed in the autumn 2015.
Balfour Beatty is also currently completing construction works on the University of Sheffield’s New Engineering Building.
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