University of Liverpool Refurbishment and Upgrade Programme - £4.2 M

The solution

Frank Rogers employed bespoke solutions tailored to each building:

• Heritage refurbishment and damp‑remediation: Nine museum rooms underwent strip‑out and reinstatement to address damp substrates. Decorative plaster and timber elements were protected with bespoke scaffold, while dehumidified drying regimes ensured appropriate moisture levels before reinstatement.
• Structural reconfiguration: Steelwork and temporary works were introduced to enlarge physics workshops, laboratories and dining areas. Circulation routes and evacuation paths were widened without compromising building integrity.
• Mechanical and electrical upgrades: New power distribution, lighting, HVAC systems, fire‑alarm and access‑control systems were installed campus‑wide. Specialist M&E works provided modern environmental control in heritage galleries and research labs.
• Advanced equipment installation: Workshops were fitted with wire‑spark eroders, CNC milling and lathe machines, 3D printers and composite‑fabrication facilities. Kitchen and bar areas received modern catering plant, and heritage pubs were upgraded with contemporary services hidden within existing joinery.
• Accessibility enhancements: DDA‑compliant door sets with automated operators, Changing Places facilities, tactile signage, sensory zones and new lift connections were provided, ensuring inclusive access across campus.
• Fire‑safety improvements: Fire‑rated doors, fire‑stopping and upgraded alarm systems were installed throughout the Guild of Students, Sports Centre and museum. Off‑peak working hours and phased closures ensured uninterrupted use.
• Logistics and stakeholder management: Daily coordination meetings, off‑peak working, evening/weekend scheduling and careful segregation of work areas kept disruptions to a minimum. Clean‑work techniques and ongoing communication with staff and students maintained safety and research integrity.

The outcome

The £4.2 million programme was delivered on schedule and within budget, significantly enhancing the University’s estate:

• Sensitive refurbishment protected historic character while introducing modern environmental control and life‑safety systems.
• Expanded workshops, laboratories and upgraded M&E services have increased the Department of Physics’ operational capacity and enabled advanced research capabilities.
• The reconfigured Vine Court dining facility offers increased capacity, flexible seating and a more efficient kitchen. Refurbished pubs and social spaces blend heritage charm with modern amenities.
• Fire‑door installations, upgraded alarms and inclusive design features have raised safety standards and delivered fully accessible environments for students, staff and visitors.
• Careful phasing, stakeholder engagement and specialist techniques allowed all buildings to remain open and operational throughout the two‑year period.

This comprehensive programme demonstrates Frank Rogers’ expertise in delivering complex, multi‑building projects within live academic environments, balancing heritage conservation with modern technical requirements to future‑proof the University of Liverpool’s estate.