G F Tomlinson has started work on the £2 million refurbishment of Loughborough University’s S Building.

It is the second project for the university to be delivered by the Midlands-based contractor, following excellent relationships forged during the successful delivery of   the Advanced Technology Innovation Centre.

The project involves a complete refurbishment of the existing ground floor layout and construction of new mezzanine levels within the existing double height space to maximise the building’s capacity.

New mechanical and electrical services, along with a new IT suite will be provided to house the university’s specialist engineering and materials department.

Professor Rachel Thomson, the academic lead for the project said:

“Loughborough’s engineering heritage remains a key part of the university’s success, with engineering-based courses recruiting significant numbers of high-quality undergraduate students in recent years.

“The scheme will support this growth and includes refurbishment of a suite of teaching laboratories which will provide students the hands-on experience of using pilot scale engineering equipment such as they would encounter in industry, thus supporting the excellent employability of Loughborough’s engineering graduates.

“These significantly upgraded facilities will support our engineering learning and teaching, providing the students with practical experience to simulate at industrial scale which we greatly value as integral to the student experience, whilst also taking advantage of new technology to equip our students for the future.”

This project signifies the start of one of the largest refurbishment schemes undertaken at the university. Once complete, current and prospective students will benefit from an improved environment and state-of-the-art facilities.

Professor Thomson added:

“The refurbishment will also provide an interactive learning facility for students, taking advantage of virtual reality technology to provide student access to engineering simulations ranging from control of industrial plants through to design scenarios, to enhance their learning experience. There will also be a new 90 seat IT laboratory for students from across the engineering disciplines.”

Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said:

“As one of the country’s leading universities, we are delighted to be working with Loughborough University again at such an exciting time for them. This project further cements our relationship with the university and we hope this partnership continues to grow and flourish.

This scheme continues the university’s commitment to providing world class facilities ensuring it leads the way on innovation, sustainability and enhancing the student experience.”

G F Tomlinson previously delivered the £4 million Advanced Technology Innovation Centre for Loughborough University. The centre was one of the first new buildings to be developed as part of the expansion of the university’s Science and Enterprise Park.

G F Tomlinson has a proven track record and expertise in successfully delivering many further education projects across the East Midlands for Nottingham Trent University and the University of Derby.