East Durham College
Houghall Campus
Durham University
The refurbishment of the Agricultural Engineering and Arboriculture Workshops at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus involved the phased transformation of multiple existing workshop buildings within a live Further Education environment.
Works were carefully sequenced to allow the campus to remain fully operational throughout. The project included refurbishment across ground floor and mezzanine workshop spaces, alongside roof works, window replacements, external improvements and coordinated asbestos removal. New mechanical and electrical services were integrated into the existing infrastructure, with careful planning required to connect, adapt and upgrade within ageing buildings.
- Client: East Durham College
- Building: University Agriculture Workshops
- Value: 700K
- Programme: 28 Weeks
- Status: Complete
Delivery focused on safe segregation, logistics and maintaining uninterrupted campus use. A detailed site establishment and phasing strategy enabled demolition, refurbishment and service integration to progress with minimal disruption to staff and students. Testing, commissioning and staged handover ensured a smooth transition into occupation.
The project also involved managing instructed variations arising from additional funding and the discovery of further works linked to the condition of the existing buildings. These were incorporated into the programme through close coordination with the design team and client.
Sustainability was supported through refurbishment and reuse of the existing buildings, reducing embodied carbon, alongside controlled waste management and careful material planning.
“Aptus successfully secured a competitive tender for the Agricultural and Arboriculture Refurbishment project at East Durham College, Houghall Campus. From the outset, the team showed a strong commitment to delivering the project professionally and successfully. Despite challenges linked to the age of the buildings and resulting variations, the works were managed with minimal disruption to programme and the proactive, practical approach taken was refreshing. I look forward to working with the team again in the future.”
— Shaun Henderson, TSA Riley
