University of Leeds – School of Chemical and Process Engineering
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Transforming research infrastructure through precision engineering
As part of the University of Leeds’ ambitious £520m campus transformation programme, SES Engineering Services was appointed by Galliford Try to deliver full MEP services for the £38m refurbishment and remodelling of the School of Chemical and Process Engineering—the largest single project in the university’s five-year improvement plan.
The project aimed to enhance world-leading research capabilities, foster industry collaboration, and improve the student experience for over 1,000 students from more than 70 countries. The refurbished 1960s building now houses three purpose-built laboratories for radioactive material research, pilot-scale rigs, bench-top chemical experiments, and high-spec analytical equipment. A new photonics lab also supports ultrafast laser plasma implantation for both academic and commercial applications.
SES developed a bespoke strategy to install new plant room facilities while maintaining live operations throughout the building. This approach not only prevented cross-contamination from ageing infrastructure but also accelerated delivery by 12 months against the contractual programme.
Technical highlights
Live site coordination
- Building remained operational throughout
- Strategic phasing and stakeholder collaboration
- Night and weekend works to meet isolation schedules
Specialist research facilities
- Radioactive material labs
- Photonics lab with ultrafast laser plasma implantation
- Pilot-scale and bench-top chemical experimentation zones
Programme acceleration
- 12-month improvement on contractual timeline
- 150 operatives on site at peak
Complex sequencing and stakeholder engagement
“Without doubt, the refurbishment of the School of Chemical and Process Engineering was complex on many levels. The building fabric and services threw up various surprises to the team coupled with changes in research and recruitment forced a high volume of changes by the university, to ensure the remodelled building would help us to achieve what we’d set out to achieve.
The client and contractor’s design team pulled together to resolve the issues jointly and applied a can-do attitude by both SES and Galliford Try.
I also believe that the timely completion of the project would not have been reached were it not for the open, communicative and collaborative approach adopted by both contractors at the outset and their willingness and ability to respond to the changes without breaking stride and they are to be commended for that.
I’m delighted to say we have a building that everyone involved can be proud of.”
David Oldroyd
Senior Project Manager, University of Leeds
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