Britcon was appointed as Principal Contractor to transform and extend the former Grade II Listed building at North Lindsey College into a modern University Centre, creating a high quality learning environment for students across a range of disciplines. Delivered over two phases, the project revitalised the existing building while introducing contemporary teaching spaces and infrastructure, helping maximise investment from a significant funding package and supporting the future growth of higher education provision in Scunthorpe.
Scope of Works
The project involved the refurbishment and extension of a former Grade II Listed building to create a first class university campus. Phase One included the refurbishment of ground and first floor areas, replacement windows, new lift and staircase extensions, and roof covering upgrades. Phase Two continued the refurbishment works and introduced a new fourth floor extension constructed on the existing flat roof.
The redevelopment also included the installation of new mechanical, electrical and heating systems, upgraded IT infrastructure, and the creation of state of the art educational facilities. These comprised lecture theatres, study areas, digital and engineering laboratories, construction training facilities, an IT centre, and a contemporary conference suite.
Challenges
A number of complex challenges had to be carefully managed throughout the project. The building’s Grade II Listed status required close collaboration with heritage and conservation teams to preserve its architectural character while delivering a modern educational facility. The team also had to protect existing historic features, including a Roman mosaic located within the reception area.
Works were delivered on a live educational campus, requiring meticulous planning to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors while minimising disruption to day to day college operations. The programme was further complicated by the need to complete key phases in line with academic term dates and operate within a fast track delivery programme.
In addition, the project team focused on reducing the building’s environmental impact through the introduction of low carbon solutions and extensive value engineering exercises, ensuring affordability while maintaining quality and achieving the client’s sustainability objectives.
Outcomes
Through early stakeholder engagement, collaborative planning and the use of digital construction management tools, Britcon successfully delivered the project while maintaining programme certainty, cost control, and quality standards. The completed University Centre now provides modern, flexible learning environments that support digital, engineering, construction and academic education for future generations.
The project generated significant social value, creating employment opportunities, supporting apprenticeships and work experience placements, and providing engagement opportunities for local students. The development also achieved strong environmental outcomes through high recycling rates, local supply chain engagement and carbon reduction initiatives.
Delivered safely and with a high level of customer satisfaction, the scheme successfully balanced the preservation of a historic building with the creation of a modern higher education facility, establishing a landmark educational asset for North Lincolnshire.