Cowlin Construction Wins £7million Contract for University of Bristol

 

Cowlin has been awarded the contract to begin refurbishment of the university’s Student Union Building in Bristol.  This first phase of work is a rare opportunity to carry out modernisations on a building that the local contractor built, using the most modern methods of the time, in 1965.

An iconic building of its day the Student’s Union building is now showing its age and in need of a complete overhaul.  Taking a sustainable approach the university decided against demolition and rebuild, choosing instead to keep the existing building and make radical changes to improve facilities for both students and the wider community whilst creating a sustainable building fit for the future.  Improvements include increasing natural light and minimising energy use, making the whole building more appealing from the street and more useable and fit for the modern era.

Cowlin’s contract includes the refurbishment of 3 floors in the north building, which will house administrative offices and the International Foundation, an extension to and refurbishment of the swimming pool, new ground floor foyer including curtain walling, front landscaping, and replacement of the main boilers with a new Combined Heat and Power system.

For the University these works represent a significant investment in enhancing the student experience in Bristol, whilst building on the strengths of what is, to many, an iconic local building that has a distinguished history in both theatre and music performances, which are enjoyed across the city and beyond.

Asbestos removal is underway with Cowlin due to start work on the 50 week programme at the end of September.  The building will remain in use throughout the work, and Cowlin will be working with the University and neighbours to ensure the continuation of services and a safe environment for all.

David Stockham, Divisional Managing Director for Cowlin, commenting on this latest contract award, said: “Having built or refurbished many of the estate’s properties Cowlin has an important relationship with the University, dating back to the 19th century, of which we are very proud.  We are currently completing a refurbishment of the Wills Hall student accommodation, but this contract will be especially interesting as we will be working on an original Cowlin building.”

Patrick Finch, Director of Estates for the University of Bristol, added: “ Among the University’s buildings are those which form an important part of many a Bristolian’s association with their City – like the Wills Memorial building at the top of Park Street, the Victoria Rooms and the Student Union building on Queen’s Road. We take this very seriously, so the refurbishment is not just for our students, but for Bristol as a whole."

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