University refurbishment work continues apace

A Newcastle-headquartered property consultancy is progressing two refurbishment projects designed to enhance facilities for staff, students and visitors at the University of York.

Summers-Inman, which is acting as project manager and quantity surveyor on both schemes, secured the appointments through competitive tender as part of the university’s wider programme to modernise and improve its estate. 

The first project involves the significant refurbishment and reconfiguration of areas within the Piazza Building on Campus East to support the expansion of the York School of Architecture.

The work includes redesigned studio spaces, staff offices, a model-making workshop and a Building Information Modelling suite.

Welcoming its first undergraduate cohort in September, the school benefited from a five-month programme of improvements that required close consideration of the building’s existing structure, usage and long-term needs during the design phase.

The York School of Architecture, University of York, Campus East

A second project focuses on transforming the upper floor of an existing four-storey campus building into a new professional services hub. 

The refurbishment aims to create a modern, efficient workspace that centralises key university functions under one roof.

Robin Beattie, assistant director, capital development at the University of York, said: “The hub is part of the university’s plan to make better use of its properties and will offer a variety of spaces to suit different ways of working to provide a flexible workspace for our teams.

“Extensive refurbishment has been undertaken to provide world-class student facilities including presentation and social areas, office accommodation, collaborative working spaces, meeting rooms and a refreshment area.

“By moving some professional services teams into this modern building, we will be able to leave other spaces such as Heslington Hall. 

“This helps us streamline our operations and ensures we are creating high-quality, effective workspaces across all our locations.”

Robin added: “We are pleased at the way this work has been carried out and have enjoyed working with Summers-Inman for the first time. 

“Based on my experience to date, I anticipate there will be other opportunities for us to work together in the future.”

Summers-Inman, which became part of Bellrock’s Consulting division following its acquisition in July 2025, continues to support the university’s long-term campus evolution as it invests in future growth and improved learning environments.

David Blakey, director of Summers-Inman, added: “We were delighted with our appointment to these projects – our first at the university – although we have extensive higher education experience gained on similar projects elsewhere.

“Working on a live site without disrupting everyday activities to execute refurbishment works is always challenging. 

“Fortunately, our experience makes a significant difference and construction work has gone without a hitch.

“We are delivering advanced acoustic solutions to address previous complaints about noise and at the same time, significantly enhancing user comfort featuring integrated upgraded meeting rooms with digital conferencing technology. 

“We have also promoted sustainability through the extensive reuse and recycling of existing furniture in alignment with the university’s sustainability objectives.

“We are hopeful that our success on these two projects will generate further work for us at the University of York campus – we place great emphasis on establishing strong working relationships with all our clients – and we are keen to grow our experience base and workload in Yorkshire.”

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