Project Brief
Adept is providing civil and structural engineering services for a major Capital Works Programme at the University of Leeds, delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction via the Procure Partnerships Framework. The project includes the refurbishment of teaching spaces and entrances, recladding and reroofing works, and the creation of new student areas. Works are set for completion in late 2025. This programme forms a key part of the University’s strategy to modernise facilities, enhance student experience and improve energy efficiency across campus.
Adept initially provided scoping work on 29 projects for the Capital Works Programme but, following detailed feasibility studies with Morgan Sindall, the University Estates team, and other stakeholders, the scope was refined to ensure the programme remains manageable and realistic. Adept’s scope includes providing expertise across structural assessments, refurbishment support, and coordination of new roofing and cladding systems to improve performance, safety and longevity.
Solution
Solution
- Maurice Keyworth MBA Suite – structural advice for the removal of existing walls and assessment of loading capacities on the existing floors to enable the creation of a new student breakout/study area.
- Electrical Engineering Entrance – structural design and coordination for the full refurbishment of the entrance, including demolition of the former entrance and construction of a new entrance point. Adept is considering site constraints and utilising existing structural elements wherever possible to mitigate risks.
- External Bike Stores – design of concrete raft foundations and associated drainage solutions for two modular bike store units.
- Laidlaw Library – feasibility reports for converting a roof into a student breakout area, including concrete testing and a detailed load-bearing capacity analysis of the existing structure.
- Clothworkers’ Building – provision of detailed structural reports and calculations to verify existing load capacity and propose strengthening measures for the replacement of a roof. For this historic building built around 1880, we are balancing preservation with modern compliance, using advanced modelling to validate load capacity and propose discreet strengthening measures.
Adept is integrating material efficiency and low-carbon design principles throughout the work, supporting the University’s sustainability objectives while ensuring compliance with industry standards and alignment with University policies and values.
The unique structural characteristics of each building, including certain historic structures, requires extensive surveys and verification of legacy construction. Adept has drawn on previous experience with historic and listed buildings to ensure that heritage features are preserved while making the structures safe, compliant and fit for modern use.
Managing concurrent delivery across multiple projects has required phased engineering input, BIM integration and close collaboration with Morgan Sindall and the University’s Estates team. Our internal teams have been assigned by building clusters, with senior oversight and rapid response to site conditions. Works are being sequenced to align with academic calendars and minimise disruption to the live campus site, particularly in high traffic buildings like Maurice Keyworth and Electrical Engineering. Intrusive works are scheduled during academic breaks, with access coordinated through campus operations to minimise disruption.
The compressed delivery timeline, completing all phases within a single calendar year, has required rapid design iterations and close collaboration with Morgan Sindall’s design and site teams. Adept has been responding to evolving site conditions and contractor requests, often preparing structural responses and attending site on the same day to maintain progress, while ensuring the quality and standard of work is never compromised.
Maintaining stakeholder alignment has been critical in this programme. Adept has ensured to maintain direct communication with Morgan Sindall’s Head of Design and the University’s Development Project Manager to ensure clarity on scope, approvals and sequencing. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures that all solutions reflect the University’s values and long-term objectives.
Through collaboration, technical expertise and a commitment to sustainability, Adept is helping the University of Leeds deliver a transformative programme that enhances campus facilities, respects heritage, and supports long-term development goals
