J Tomlinson completes university refurbishment scheme

The commercial refurbishment division at J Tomlinson has completed the
renovation of the University of Sheffield’s Ella Armstrong Building –
previously known as the Bio-Incubator – which is now a base for many of the
university’s energy researchers.

The building has undergone a full, three-storey modernisation of its
laboratory and office spaces. Managed by J Tomlinson, works spanned the
first, second and third floors of the building, comprising the subdivision
of existing rooms with glazed partitions and stud walls, adaptation of
existing ventilation, power and lighting, and the replacement of existing
finishes. LED lighting was also implemented to help maintain the
university’s dedicated approach to reducing its carbon emissions.

Working within live research facilities, J Tomlinson’s approach was tailored
to minimising disruption to staff, students and visitors, as well as
overcoming site constraints associated with the building’s high-profile
location. This was achieved through phased working, meticulous site
management and J Tomlinson’s own extensive experience in successfully
delivering refurbishment projects within live educational environments.

Pete Woods, construction director at J Tomlinson, commented: “We are pleased
to have been the principal contractor on this refurbishment project for the
University of Sheffield.

“This was a very exciting project for everyone involved, and we enjoyed
working alongside Sheffield University to provide a stimulating environment
for everyone working in the building.”

Gaynor Bradshaw-Wilson, the university’s project manager on the
refurbishment scheme, commented: “We are pleased with the completed project,
which has significantly enhanced the facilities for our energy researchers
and with the way in which J Tomlinson conducted themselves whilst delivering
the project on a live site.”

The project is one of the latest in J Tomlinson’s education portfolio, which
includes school, college, university and student accommodation schemes.

Nottingham-based J Tomlinson, which was founded in the 1950s and employs
around 470 people, works primarily across the East Midlands, West Midlands
and Yorkshire. The company provides a range of integrated building services
including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical
and electrical (M&E) services, and facilities management.