Making a welcome return to Durham University’s Bill Bryson Library, Surgo has work well underway on the latest remodelling and renovation project.
Following a successful tender process, via the university’s framework agreement, Surgo was recently awarded the £850K contract to completely remodel levels one and two of the library’s west wing along with its main entrance, café and waiting area.
Currently on site stripping out interior walls and some building services, Surgo’s team will have to maintain a live building and to achieve this will deliver the scheme by way of carefully planned split-floor phasing of works.
The project will provide the university with 200 additional study spaces. It will also create the space for the university to improve the catering facilities and dining areas in the Bill Bryson Library by relocating and expanding the café into the eDen.
Additional accessible study rooms will also be created with improved disability support study space to be introduced on Level 1.
Speaking of the difficulties of working on a live site, Surgo’s construction director, Jeff Charlton said:
“We are delighted to be back on site at Bill Bryson and to have the opportunity to support the university with its ongoing plans for improvements to its campus. It is vital that students still have access to the library and its range of resources, therefore we will deliver the contract by adopting a split-floor, phased construction approach.
“It is our aim to be as unobtrusive as possible to both students and teaching staff for the duration of the project, while at the same time keep everyone safe while the building remains in continued use.”