Venue: University of Plymouth

This reference visit to the University of Plymouth will describe the long-term estate strategy and the stage reached on its journey. Significant investment over the past few years has enabled several projects to be delivered. The day will begin with a briefing about the University and its estate including the vital focus on building retention, rather than new-build, and the path to decarbonisation. There will be tours of three specific buildings completed in the last couple of years, each of which demonstrate the value of major re-purposing and refurbishment.

These are:

Babbage Building - previously a large teaching and administration block on the west side of campus. All activity was relocated and a client brief established which would keep the frame and mass of the original structure. A new facility for large-scale engineering, design and fabrication was required. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios were appointed following a RIBA design competition and the main contractor was BAM Construction. The project incorporated many features including an extension, specialist laboratories and workshops, and a roof terrace. Total project cost £63m, completed in December 2023.

Fitzroy Building - previously a teaching building in the centre of the campus. All activity was relocated and a brief created for providing a new home for the Business School. The architect was KTA and the main contractor Kier. Total project cost £15m, completed in December 2024.

InterCity Place - previously a 10-storey office building which had become empty and run-down by its owner Network Rail. Adjacent to the main railway station, it was one of the city’s post-war landmarks. Acquired by the University, it was completely stripped and refurbished for teaching and research in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions. The project architect was Stride Treglown and the main contractor Kier. Total project cost £33m, completed in September 2023. The day will be full and varied. Whilst it will be a normal teaching day, the intention is that some academic and student views can also be shared with us during the visit.

Draft Programme

09.15 Arrivals and Refreshments
09.45 Introductory Presentations
10.30 Tour of Babbage
12.00 Lunch/Networking
13.00 Tour of Fitzroy
13.45 Campus Tour
14.30 Tea Break
15.00 Tour of InterCity Place
15.45 Close
16.00 Depart

Speakers
Chair – Trevor Wills, UDF Chair and UoP Director of Estates & Facilities
Adam Jones - Associate Director Estates & Facilities, Capital Development
Colin Cobb, FCBS – lead project architect for the Babbage Building
Alistair Wilson, Stride Treglown - lead project architect, ICP
Others TBC

University Design Forum extend their thanks to the host and sponsor, University of Plymouth.

Images © Lloyd Russell