Stepnell wraps up two major refurbs at University of Southampton

Construction partner Stepnell has completed two key refurbishment projects at the University of Southampton, just in time for the upcoming academic year.

The projects enhance both the teaching environment and student accommodation.

The Nightingale Building, part of the university’s School of Health Sciences, has undergone a significant overhaul.

The space was reconfigured to include new training facilities, such as mock-up wards built to meet the latest NHS standards. These facilities will support various programmes, including nursing, midwifery, and physiotherapy.

Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, commented on the project: “These refurbishments blend our expertise in education and healthcare sector builds across the South.

“From our Southampton office, we leveraged our local supply chain and delivered high-quality work within the university’s tight schedules.”

Sustainability was a priority throughout the project, with 96 per cent of waste diverted from landfill and two-thirds of contractors sourced within 30 miles of the site.

Stepnell also completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment of the Old Terrace student accommodation in Glen Eyre halls of residence.

The 24-week project included installing new communal kitchens, transforming shared washrooms into individual self-contained pods, and making exterior upgrades.

Speirs said: “The successful delivery of the Nightingale Building and Old Terrace projects showcases our ability to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or client satisfaction.”

Stepnell worked closely with Cliftons Projects, who represented the university throughout the process.

Malcolm Wright of Cliftons praised the construction team’s flexibility, saying: “They absorbed additional work and contract changes within the original schedule, ensuring that the accommodation is ready to welcome students.”

Jonathan Face, the university’s director of special projects, added: “These refurbishments will help shape the futures of our students and ensure that our campus remains an inspiring place to live and learn.

“We’re grateful to Stepnell for their hard work and commitment.”