This project was designed to enhance the management school’s international standing as a recognised centre of excellence in teaching, research and business management.

The redevelopment maximises the potential of the estate’s learning space, whilst upgrading the faculty circulation routes to be easily accessible by all, adding quantifiable value to the Management School. The works create a welcoming complex to enhance external engagement with businesses, and the design allows for adaptation to changing educational and technological needs and predicted faculty growth over the coming years.

The development was split over five sequential phases to meet with the faculty requirements to accommodate departmental growth. The first phase was the creation of the West Pavilion new build extension, providing 104 single office spaces, 90 shared office desk spaces, teaching and meeting accommodation.

Subsequent phases supported a decant of Lancaster University Management School staff and academics from East Estate to allow early enabling works, including asbestos surveys and removal works, before a more significant refurbishment and reoccupation of the East Estate.

The main objectives of the refurbishment were to create flexible, dynamic and future-proofed facilities which enhance teaching, research and external engagement. The project also created a coherent Lancaster University Management School identity that respects its community culture and reinforces the management school’s strong international reputation.

This flagship sustainable development provides a low carbon building complex with a natural passive environmental design which integrates with the surrounding landscape. These features were key to the development of the design in order to collectively promote wellbeing and align with the university’s world class leading environmental aims and objectives.