The development of a new home for our science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) teaching reached an important milestone last week when the final piece of steelwork was lifted into place on what will become an impressive new atrium space linking Sheaf and Eric Mensforth buildings.
The ‘topping out’ ceremony saw invited guests from the University – including Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Husbands, Director of Estates and Facilities Mark Swales and members of the Board of Governors – watch the completion of the steel framework that will become the new atrium alongside contractor Houltons, engineers Mason Clark and architects Watson Batty.
Before the steel was erected, the Chair of our Board of Governors, Geoff Dawson, and Paul Dickerson, Managing Director of Houltons, put their signatures to the final girder to mark this significant step in the project. Guests then headed to the refurbished scale-up room in Sheaf to see first-hand the kind of collaborative learning space being created by the project.
The £11m refurbishment of Sheaf and Eric Mensforth will provide the very best in learning and teaching spaces to support high-quality STEM activities. As well as the stunning new atrium, the development will include galleries, collaborative spaces and social learning, a cutting-edge chemistry lab and modern new engineering provision. The refurbishment presents a great opportunity for us to improve both the student and staff experience in these locations.
The project is due to be completed in 2017.