London & South East

Redeveloping The University of Westminster

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

The first phase of a scheme to redevelop The University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus has reached completion.

Phase One of the scheme comprised the refurbishment of the site’s A Block; the remodelling of the Learning Resources Centre/Library and the creation of the new Forum – the site’s showpiece entrance. The A Block has seen upgrades to the teaching and learning areas, whilst the Learning and Resources Centre has been given a fresh new look, which includes new furniture, laptop benches and an improved reception.

Meanwhile the Forum is a brand new showpiece building situated between three existing units on the campus. The Forum has replaced the former main entrance – the Street – which originally existed on the site and provides a space where students can display their art, design and media work, as well as welcome friends and family.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

The Forum was built from concrete foundations with a steel frame, pre-cast concrete planks on the first floor, aluminium curtain walling and a single ply roof with a sedum cover. Additional features include sky-lights, a polished concrete floor and plywood finishes.

Prior to the construction of the Forum, the former steel structure known as the Street, was demolished.

All of the redevelopment work on the site has been implemented to create state-of-the-art facilities for students, in order to provide new and improved social and learning spaces which will create an enhanced sense of community for students and staff.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

Work started on Phase One of the project in November 2011. Leading support and construction company Interserve Construction Limited was the main contractor on the project, whilst Frederick Gibberd Partnership was the architect.

Features of Phase One include, new project rooms and social learning hubs; an enclosed gallery; break our areas for dining; and an outside courtyard for students to use during the warmer months of the year.

The £4.5 million first phase of the redevelopment was funded by The University of Westminster and reached completion in February 2013. Three additional phases which will continue to redevelop the campus significantly are currently being planned.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

Commenting on the work, Noel Corbally from Interserve, said:

“The Forum is now complete and is being fully occupied by the University. The Forum houses the main entrance where all students, lecturers and visitors will enter the University and includes a gallery to display student art work, as well as a large open space to enable production to take place. The first floor of the Forum includes five project rooms, whilst break out areas and a café provide a place for students to sit and discuss their work.”

Phase One of the redevelopment ran fairly smoothly, with the only real challenge coming from the elements during a very wet 2012.

Noel said:

“Due to bad weather during the months of June and July 2012 the project did not progress as well as one would have expected, however as we did experience some of the worst weather since records began we just had to progress as best as possible.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

“This project was very important to Interserve, but we value every project that we are involved with. Our aim is to always deliver on time, on budget and most of all to meet the expectations of the client or end user.”

Founded in 1838, the opening of The University of Westminster marked Britain’s first polytechnic. Since then the site has developed to become a university that is both metropolitan and cosmopolitan, and champions innovation and creativity.

The University of Westminster has a fantastic reputation for embracing diversity and promoting equality and with a strong corporate strategy it provides a vibrant and inspirational learning environment for all its students.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

In addition to the work that is taking place at the Harrow Campus, The University of Westminster has also invested in the redevelopment of its Marylebone Campus. Home to the Westminster Business School and the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, the Marylebone site was completed in autumn 2012.

For more information about the University of Westminster, or to follow progress on the redevelopment of Harrow Campus, please visit: www.westminster.ac.uk.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

Resin Flooring UK

Resin Flooring UK specialises in the installation of commercial and industrial resin flooring, polished concrete and screeds. The company has more than 14 years of experience in the industry and in this time has worked on a varied selection of projects including City of Westminster Law Courts, National Geographic Store, Olympic stadium, Natural History Museum, HMV, Wrangler and Swarovski.

Working on the University of Westminster project, Resin Flooring UK installed 2200mts of Terrazzo flooring and helped in the design of a bespoke ramp/staircase. Ivan Carley of Resin Flooring UK was one of the project managers on the site, working with his colleague Steve Aspinall.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

Ivan Carley, Resin Flooring UK, said:

“The University of Westminster project was a very large and prestigious project, which helped us establish ourselves as one of the foremost installers of high quality, intricate flooring in the UK. Tony Beecroft, our company owner, was the main installer, he helped deliver a snag free floor within the very tight time limits required to get the floor ready for use for the new September 2012 term.

University of Westminster Harrow Campus

“At Resin Flooring UK our attention to detail is second to none and our project management and on-site installation is one of the best in the country.”

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Roma Publications