Wantage-based construction partner Stepnell has completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment of specialist laboratories at the University of Oxford, reinforcing its reputation as a leading contractor within the higher education sector.
The project involved the modernisation of the molecular physiology and particle imaging laboratories located within the Henry Wellcome Building.
Delivered within a live and fully operational research environment, the refurbishment required meticulous planning to protect sensitive scientific equipment, including electron microscopes and cryogenic systems.
To avoid contamination and minimise disruption, Stepnell adopted a sectional completion approach, carefully decanting laboratory equipment and maintaining access to a series of interconnected rooms housing specialist apparatus.
The works were carried out in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nuffield Department of Medicine, which acted as the principal client, alongside the University of Oxford, project managers TMD Building Consultancy and MEP consultants etch Associates.
Mark Knowlden, senior project manager at Stepnell, said:
“As a Wantage based firm, this has been an incredibly significant project for us in supporting refurbishments at one of the world’s most prominent academic and research institutions.
“With a proven track record in delivering higher education upgrades, our technical expertise, consideration of operating in live site environments and collaborative approach has enabled us to deliver a complex refurbishment that will support Nuffield Department of Medicine and the university’s continuous pursuit of delivering scientific excellence.”
The project also delivered strong social and economic value locally. Around 70 per cent of Stepnell’s project spend was directed to supply chain businesses within a 30-mile radius, while five local employees were hired or retained as part of the works.
Community engagement formed a further element of the project, with the Stepnell team supporting Longworth Primary School by repurposing former laboratory equipment and donating £1,100 worth of supply chain materials to create a mud kitchen for pupils. In total, the project achieved a 30 per cent social value return on investment.
Duncan Rollo, project manager at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, said:
“Over the duration of the project, a positive working relationship was developed between Stepnell, the department, TMD and lab users. This collaborative approach helped deliver to successfully deliver the project including an early handover, which was greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.”
Stepnell is continuing its work at the University of Oxford and is currently delivering a further £1.7 million refurbishment of the physics laboratory in the Townsend Building at the Clarendon Laboratory, due for completion next year.
