Lancaster University – Chancellor’s Wharf External Refurbishment

Novus was delighted to be awarded a contract with long-time client Lancaster University for the external repairs and refurbishments to their Chancellor’s Wharf student accommodation.

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University is ranked as one of the best in UK; regularly making it into the Top 10 in the country. The Times recently awarded this prestigious educational institutional as International University of the Year in their “Good University Guide 2020.”

Novus has a long-standing partnership with Lancaster University having successfully completed a number of projects for the client in the past.

What is Chancellor’s Wharf?

Chancellor’s Wharf is a student halls of residence located on the edge of the historic City of Lancaster.

This purpose-built student accommodation comprises 244 study bedrooms across 3 blocks (Lune, Wyre and Kent) and is situated on the banks of the Lancaster Canal.

What Did Novus Do for the Client?

Novus was asked to undertake various external repairs to Chancellor’s Wharf, alongside the redecoration of the building’s exterior.

In addition, the University commissioned Novus to assist in the design and installation of new bicycle stores to each of the blocks.

The state-of-the-art cycle stores have a capacity for over 60 bicycles, with the intention of alleviating traffic congestion in the centre of Lancaster by encouraging their students towards cycling.

What Challenges Were Faced?

Aside from being of significant value to Novus and involving a key client, this project was memorable for a particular challenge faced.

Originally, the project was scheduled to take place over a 9-week period but very shortly after commencing the works, it became apparent that a population of House Martins and Swifts were nesting in the eaves.

Scaffolding was immediately stopped and a local Ecologist was brought in to evaluate when the birds would fledge their nests and work could re-commence.

Overall the works were completed in a 20 week timeframe, start-to-finish.

Client Feedback

Stakeholders from Lancaster University reported that they were delighted with the constant communication throughout the project and the overall standard of works delivered, which were finished defect-free.