Digital learning at forefront of University of Salford fit out
Overbury has completed the fit out of the University of Salford’s new 100,000 sq ft facility, converting a grade A commercial space into the University’s new digital learning, teaching and research centre.
Covering three floors of the Orange Building, it opened its doors to 1,500 students on Tuesday, 4 October 2011.
The state-of-the-art £18m fit out was delivered over 11 months in an intense programme which has utilised the latest media and broadcast technology. The new facility comprises TV studios, radio production studios, 26 editing suits, numerous lecture spaces and a digital café open to the public.
The reception is dominated by a striking 40 ft long ‘ribbon’ installation. A large statement glass staircase cuts through the main atrium.
Peter Knight, Overbury’s Regional MD for the North said: “We are delighted with the facility we have been able to produce for the University of Salford and its students. It’s the first time a university has taken space in a multi-tenanted office block and that in itself has thrown up a number of challenges we have had to overcome.
“The production suites, studios and digital infrastructure have been specified by industry experts, installed by the most talented technicians and future proofed for emerging creative technologies. We have used 100 miles of technical cabling, most of which can be seen as it has been used as a design feature in the production studios, and nearly 2000 sq ft of coloured glass to create the stunning main staircase.“
Client: University of Salford
Architect: The Fairhursts Design Group
Value of contract: £18m
Completion: October 2011
Fit out contractor: Overbury
