Modern Refurbishment of
University Learning Spaces
Creating Flexible Learning Environments
The refurbishment of the Library at Murray for the University of Sunderland transformed outdated library spaces into modern, flexible learning environments designed to enhance the student experience.
Delivered within a live university setting, the project combined refurbishment, M&E upgrades and integrated furniture solutions to create collaborative study areas, quiet learning zones and adaptable workspaces with minimal disruption to students and staff.
- Client: Sunderland University
- Building: Library of Murray
- Area: Sunderland
- Value: £2.4m
- Programme: 35 Week Build
- Status: Completed
The programme relied on:
– Careful phased working within a live operational university library.
– Close coordination between refurbishment, M&E and FF&E installation teams.
– Out-of-hours and planned working to minimise disruption during academic periods.
– Strong stakeholder communication and programme management to meet critical deadlines.
Workwell were our partner providing all FF&E, supplying and installing the full furniture package on this project.
Scope of works included
– Full strip-out and refurbishment of existing library spaces across Levels 1 and 3.
– Installation of new partitions, glazed study rooms and collaborative learning areas.
– Upgrades to lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and fire alarm systems.
– Integration of bespoke joinery, acoustic study pods and flexible furniture solutions.
– Bespoke FF&E.
Programme and delivery
- Delivered within a live operational university environment, requiring carefully phased working, controlled access routes and close stakeholder coordination to minimise disruption to students and staff.
- Strong collaboration between Aptus, the University of Sunderland, Workwell and the wider design team ensured works were coordinated around the academic calendar, with proactive programme management helping key milestones to be achieved ahead of schedule.
Outcome
The completed refurbishment has transformed the Library at Murray into a modern, flexible learning environment designed to support a wide range of study styles and teaching methods.
Since completion, the library has seen a significant increase in student footfall, with the new spaces consistently occupied and heavily utilised. The project demonstrates Aptus’ ability to deliver complex education refurbishments through careful phasing, stakeholder collaboration and integrated refurbishment, M&E and furniture coordination.
