£18.2 million science teaching facility on schedule

Landscaping work around the Joseph Priestley Building’s new extension is now under way to finish the job

THE University of Huddersfield’s new £18.2 million science teaching block is on schedule for completion by July.  Now, work starts on landscaping the surroundings, including attractive paved areas, plentiful greenery and a specially-designed hydraulic lift that will ensure full accessibility for all.

While the work is under way, from 15 April, there will be temporary restrictions, such as the closure of the walkway adjacent to the University’s Technology Building, and the main entrance to the Joseph Priestley Building, which adjoins the new science block.

While work continues, diversion signs will provide a guide to the quickest pedestrian routes to the Joseph Priestley, the Media, Journalism and Film block and to the Bronte Lecture Theatres.

The landscaping project is divided into four phases and has been timed for the spring and early summer so that teaching and exams are not affected by the closures and diversions, said Paul Turner, who is Project Manager for Campus Development in the University’s Estates and Facilities department.

The front entrance to the Joseph Priestley Building will be reopened in time for the July graduation ceremonies.

The landscaping is being carried out by contractors BAM, and was designed by ADP Architecture.  It includes a new amphitheatre-like courtyard area, with broad steps leading to the Joseph Priestley Building and the science block.  For wheelchair users and others with mobility issues, the 1.4 metre height gain will be negotiated by an enclosed lift.  A ramp would not be practical in the space.

There will be a large number of trees and shrubs, all native species.  As well as providing an attractive environment, they will aid the University in its aim to achieve a coveted “Excellent” rating under the industry-standard scheme known as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

The new science block – first used by students from September – has four storeys and facilities that include “super labs” capable of accommodating up to 120 undergraduates simultaneously carrying out practical work for their degree courses.  Biology, chemistry, forensics, geography and optometry are the main subject areas.  There is also to a special lab for use by A-level and BTEC students at colleges and sixth forms around the region.