Graham in demand at northern universities

Graham’s northern division, based in Salford, has won new build and refurbishment contracts with the University of Manchester, University of York and University of Chester.

At the University of York Graham will be constructing a new teaching block worth £8m. Work starts in July and is expected to complete in January 2016. The three-storey building will provide a new gateway to the Heslington West Campus and consists of a 350-person lecture theatre and 26 seminar rooms, which can house 20 students per room. The second floor forms a large social learning space with three seminar rooms which have the flexibility to be opened up to create larger spaces for exams, conferencing and other extra-curricular activities. Race Cottam Associates are the architects.

At the University of Chester, work has begun on a £3m extension to the Seaborne Library. The new two-storey extension includes internal reconfiguration, refurbishment, minor demolition and diversion/replacement of mechanical & electrical services to create new circulation space, communal areas and office accommodation.

For the University of Manchester, a £2.4m refurbishment of the Greenwood Block hall of residence at Hulme Hall involves work on72 student bedrooms with associated kitchens and bathrooms. To minimise disruption work is taking place during the 10-week summer holidays.

Graham regional director Gary Hughes said: “We continue to grow our presence in the north of England and have established a good reputation as a quality and reliable contractor. We have had a strong start to the year on the back of recent project wins to refurbish the Piece Hall and build a new library and archive in Halifax, and a new science building for Liverpool Hope University.”

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk