University of Huddersfield Framework Success
Desco appointed to the University of Huddersfield Framework. Desco is one of four consultancies that have been selected to support the University of Huddersfield’s campus improvements programme under a new four-year framework agreement.
The West Yorkshire university is committed to investing in its estate to create world-class facilities for students and staff.
However, their method of procuring mechanical and electrical engineering services which previously relied on seeking tenders and quotations on a project-by-project basis, was proving time-consuming and inefficient. This new framework will allow the university to use a select panel of four engineering practices in a much more streamlined and efficient way, to provide consultancy services for their construction, refurbishment and upgrade projects.
The other consultants awarded a place on the framework panel alongside Desco, following the competitive tendering process, were Arup, Services Design Associates and Silcock Leedham.
Desco will manage the framework activities from its Leeds office. This latest appointment adds to a raft of recent higher education projects Desco has delivered for University of Leeds, Durham University, Northumbria University and Newcastle University, from their north-eastern offices in Leeds and Sunderland.
The University of Huddersfield’s Director of Estates and Facilities, Colin Blair, described the university as “operating like a business” explaining that they listen to and study market demands to inform their future development plans.
The university’s history as an academic institute dates back to the nineteenth century. Its early origins can be found in a series of institutions including the town’s 1825 Scientific and Mechanics Institution and the Young Men’s Mental Improvement Society in 1841.
It now enjoys a rich and varied estate with modern buildings added to its campus in recent years, to complement its numerous existing heritage and listed properties, such as the Buckley Innovation Centre in 2012, the new Student Central building in 2014 and the Oastler Building in 2017,
Desco has already commenced working on its first appointment through the framework which comprises the M&E design for a refurbishment project within the Spärck Jones building, to upgrade and convert existing classroom space into offices.
The University of Huddersfield’s Director of Estates and Facilities, Colin Blair, described the university as “operating like a business” explaining that they listen to and study market demands to inform their future development plans.