B65A Refurbishment Works

The B65A Refurbishment Works at the University of Southampton involved a comprehensive programme of internal modernisation designed to enhance functionality, improve environmental performance, and ensure long-term maintainability of key teaching and research spaces. Located within Building 65A on the Avenue Campus, the project focused on transforming dated and constrained areas into contemporary, compliant, and flexible environments suitable for current and future academic use.

The works centred on the full reconfiguration and refurbishment of the Lithics Room, where existing adjoining spaces were combined to create a larger, more open, and adaptable research and teaching facility. This included alterations to internal partitions, installation of new finishes, upgraded services, and improved circulation routes to support safer and more efficient occupancy. In parallel, the ground-floor corridors and entrance foyer were refurbished to improve aesthetics, lighting levels, user experience, and wayfinding within the building.

Mechanical and electrical enhancements formed a key part of the project. Existing lighting was removed and replaced with high-efficiency LED luminaires and modern lighting controls, improving both sustainability and lighting quality across the refurbished areas. A new air-conditioning unit was installed in a designated second-floor office, including electrical supply modifications, commissioning, and integration with existing systems to enhance occupant comfort and provide a reliable controlled environment.

The refurbishment also included replacement flooring, renewed suspended ceilings, fire-stopping works to all new and existing service penetrations, and full internal redecoration to bring the spaces to the University’s current finish standards. All works were undertaken in accordance with CDM 2015, with careful coordination between the Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, and University stakeholders to minimise disruption to surrounding operational areas and ensure compliance with Building Regulations and University safety policies.

On completion, the works were thoroughly inspected, tested, commissioned, and formally handed over, supported by a full O&M Manual and Health & Safety File. The final outcome delivered modern, maintainable, and compliant facilities that significantly improve the quality, usability, and safety of the building for students, staff, and researchers.