Lancaster University has appointed a contractor to develop a full-scale refurbishment of its existing Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) East Estate buildings.

The refurbishment will start next year and will complete the Management School’s redevelopment after the doors of its new £24m building opened in 2021. The new facility, named the ‘West Pavilion’ is a five-storey contemporary facility which boasts three new lecture theatres, two executive teaching suites and three floors of workspace for academics and staff.

Conlon Construction, an award-winning construction company based in the north west of England, has been assigned as the Principal Contractor for the initial stages of the refurbishment project.

This will involve the extensive refurbishment of the existing LUMS buildings and spaces, bringing it in-line with the design and upgraded facilities provided by the West Pavilion. It will increase and further improve teaching spaces and revamp break out spaces, meeting rooms, office spaces and a range of other facilities.

Work will begin immediately with Conlon working alongside a design team to review the existing space and consult with students, staff and wider stakeholders to ensure the design progresses in line with the university’s requirements. It is anticipated that physical work will begin on-site in spring next year and will conclude by the end of 2025.

Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, Professor Andy Schofield, said: “This latest project will complete the significant investment in LUMS to ensure its whole footprint and entire facilities reflect what you would expect of a world-leading management school.

“This development balances our commitment to providing our students with exceptional facilities in which to learn and research with our commitment to being a responsible, sustainable university by repurposing and recycling existing spaces to meet our carbon reduction targets.”

Deputy Dean of Lancaster University Management School, Professor James Faulconbridge, said: “We look forward to working with the appointed contractors to further develop the design for the refurbishment of our East Estate. As one of oldest business schools in the UK, the design will be sympathetic to our heritage but will bring the 1970s aspects of our buildings into line with the first-class, modern facilities provided by our new West Pavilion. This will mean our staff and students will have access to the same high standards and exciting spaces in all corners of our Management School.”

Triple-accredited and world-ranked, Lancaster University Management School is one of the longest-established business schools in the UK and home to a thriving international community, welcoming students and staff from more than 180 countries. LUMS has a presence in 24 countries, including campuses and extensive partnerships in China, Malaysia, Germany and Ghana.