Sympathetic restoration works
The iconic industrial building was formerly the Alf Cooke Printworks, but had been empty since the works closed in 2006. Working closely with planning and conservation officers, significant historic aspects from the original building were preserved and enhanced during the restoration and became features of the new campus building.
Incorporating modern structures
One of the striking features of the development is ‘The Object’ – a new-build structure in the heart of the building, providing two levels of teaching space. Although there was no requirement for BIM, Interserve recognised the benefit to aid the design and planning process; the 3D images were used not only for client sign-off, but also as an aid for agreeing the design with the conservation team.
Efficiency savings
Interserve worked closely with the college and design team to agree a design solution that realised their vision for the development within the budget restrictions. Extensive value engineering exercises were undertaken to bring the project within budget, providing £353k savings.
A safe, healthy and considerate site
As well as taking place in the heart of the city, the Printhall building was also adjacent to the existing live campus, meaning special consideration had to be given to health and safety as well as the college’s exam timetables and curriculum.
The project included the strip out and removal of hazardous materials including asbestos and lead paint. Given the unpredictable nature of heritage sites, measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the workforce.
- Zero reportable accidents or incidents
- 100% segregation of all work areas
- 96% of waste diverted from landfill
- Effective public safety traffic management plan
- Visually appropriate external hoardings
- Every task planned with safety and minimal disturbance in mind
- Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 40 out of 50
”This wonderful Grade II listed building is part of the proud industrial heritage of the area, so we’re delighted to see it brought back in to life as part of Leeds City College’s Printworks Campus
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Social value with employment and skills
Interserve successfully implemented an employment and skills plan to create a number of additional local jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
This included employment for two local people, supporting 88 apprentice weeks, work experience placements and providing numerous workshops and visits for local students.
These visits included students from Leeds College of Building as well as Re-Making Leeds, a heritage trade skills initiative run by Leeds City Council.
The team hosted numerous visits from the college staff and students throughout the project, allowing them to see the progress of the works, and also produced a regular newsletter detailing the work taking place.
Additionally, the project generated £14.3m for the local economy.
Local supply chain
To ensure that the project spend was kept in the local area, Interserve placed 90% of the subcontract orders with companies based within a 50-mile radius of site, equating to 97.6% by value.
70% of the project’s subcontract spend was with companies within just five miles of site.
Waste management
By using the waste hierarchy and Interserve’s ISO14001-accredited environmental management system, 96% of waste was diverted from landfill.
A high-quality facility delivered on time and to budget
Despite the initial value engineering exercises and a tight 38-week programme, the Printworks project was handed over on time and to budget.
The completion of the scheme on time was crucial for the college, as not only did it have to coincide with the new academic year, but an event was planned in the new building a week after completion.
Interserve’s partnering approach to the resolution of challenges on the project delivered high-quality finishes.
