Sycamore Square Group were appointed to provide Lead Designer, Contract Administration, Quantity Surveying, CDM and BSA Principal Designer services for refurbishment and remodelling works to a floor of the JB Priestly Library.

The project involved co-ordination of an advance demolition phase including asbestos decontamination, planned to ease the pressure on the summer works programme where the main refurbishment would take place. The works transformed a tired and under utilised space into one of the central group working spaces available across campus, with circa 300 seats available to students for individual and group working. We worked closely with Yorkshire based suppliers to develop a bespoke landscape scene formed in acoustic panelling.

The design responded to the brief to evoke the Yorkshire landscape, enhancing the connection to local identity surrounding Bradford. Our role included co-ordination of mechanical and electrical consultants, furniture suppliers and the University’s directly appointed suppliers to provide a seamless design incorporating new automated doors, CCTV and security systems and bespoke manifestation design into the completed works. Sycamore Square Group undertook extensive consultation with disability and neuro-divergent working groups, library management and health and safety teams to ensure all key client needs were met.