University of Birmingham, The Vale, Shackleton

Case Study

Client:

University of Birmingham

Project:

Shackleton Hall, Kitchen Refurbishment

Contract Duration:

9 weeks

the
project

Working within the educational sector is an area of the market Murray & Willis have worked in for many years, in particular, completing many successful projects for the University of Birmingham. Shackleton Hall is a block of student accommodation flats that Murray & Willis were successfully awarded to refurbish, located within The Vale, Edgbaston campus. Due to the excellent work from all Murray & Willis operatives on the first phase of this project, we were successfully awarded a second phase at Shackleton Hall.

From start to finish in 9 weeks we completed the refurbishment of 21 kitchens. The scope of works on this project involved the strip out of the existing kitchen unit doors, worktops and splashbacks, floor finishes, electrical light switches, electrical sockets, existing lighting and distribution boards. All kitchens were fitted with new kitchen unit doors, draw fronts, worktops with mitred corners, splashbacks, ovens, microwaves and ventilation extract to the ovens. Our electrical and mechanical sub-contractor installed new LED light fittings, light switches, sockets, and distribution boards. We also installed new vinyl plank flooring and furniture to each kitchen. Once this had been completed, using our own in-house highly skilled decorators we then completely re-decorated each kitchen, to an extremely high standard.

Additional works to this contract consisted of retro fitting heater panels, electrical sockets and light switches to 36 kitchens that we refurbished in phase 1. All works were completed within budget and programme to the complete satisfaction of the client and end users.

Health and safety is always a big concern for Murray & Willis, however, this project required a complete new level of thinking due to the new restrictions of Covid-19 that were implemented. This was Murray & Willis’ first project since the government allowed the construction industry to start back on site and so, was a new challenging experience for our in-house health and safety team. Murray & Willis implemented a variety of new policies and procedures, to keep both our staff and the University’s staff safe at all times. Handwash stations were located throughout the site and all personnel were provided with face masks and gloves. This project is a true testament to our in-house health and safety team, as we had no incidents throughout the duration of the project.

Throughout the entire job we met extremely high standards keeping to the highest of quality our client demanded, but yet, also respecting the new Covid-19 rules and regulations. Due to the excellent work from all Murray & Willis employees that were involved on this project, we hope to enter into negotiations with the client to carry out further work with them at Shackleton Hall in the future.

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Project
Testimonial

“I have worked with Murray & Willis on numerous projects at the University since 2015. This included Medical School remedial works as my first project on campus to consecutive summer project from 2017 to 2020. These summer projects included refurbishment of Shackleton Student Halls Kitchen (72) and Bathrooms (360) all of which were completed within time and budget constraints.

Murray & Willis were awarded works after competitive tender process ensuring best value was achieved for the University. The quality of the works is always high and is a key requirement to be appointed by the University onto our contractor framework. The approach from the site and management team is always very helpful, proactive, responsive with excellent communication.

I highly recommend Murray & Willis and look forward to working with them on the final phase of works at Shackleton in 2021″

Adrian Jones, Project Manager, University of Birmingham

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