PURCON 5107 - The Sainsbury Centre - Refurbishment

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is an internationally renowned university based in a campus that provides top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 17,000 students and 2,500 staff.

The University of East Anglia (UEA) has been ranked in the top 20 in the UK for its research quality, in the Complete University Guide's UK top 30 and has achieved the green flag award for 9 years running.

The Sainsbury Centre, positioned on the western side of the University of East Anglia Campus is a world-class museum designed by Norman Foster (now Foster + Partners) and opened in 1978. The building integrates a number of related activities within a single, light-filled space. Structural and service elements are contained within the double-layer walls and roof. Within this shell is a sequence of spaces that incorporates galleries, a reception area, research and education spaces, offices, library, café, shop and restaurant.

Over the years, the building has undergone a number of improvements, refurbishments and extensions, including the addition of the Crescent Wing in 1991 and the Link Project in 2006, which connected the Crescent Wing to the main building and the main building to the Lasdun Wall. These interventions have enabled the building to respond to changing operational and visitor requirements while maintaining its distinctive architectural character.

In 2012, the Sainsbury Centre was awarded Grade II* listed status in recognition of its exceptional architectural and historic significance. Its designation rests on several grounds: architectural innovation, as a defining late-twentieth century work by one of Britain's foremost modern architects, showcasing his signature engineering-led, prefabricated approach; celebrated design, reflecting its international standing as one of the best-known modern museum and education buildings; and historic association, as a purpose-built home for the globally significant Sainsbury Collection.

This project involves seeking a principal contractor to co-ordinate the replacement of the external envelope and extensive works to the building's MEP systems to ensure the following key objectives are met:

• Address multiple building-condition issues
• Improve energy efficiency.
• Improve visitor comfort and experience.
• Minimise long term maintenance liabilities.

In order to meet the above objectives, the envelope of the original building will be replaced and there will be extensive MEP replacement throughout. PV panels on the roof will be incorporated and a new safe roof access system will be provided to ensure ease of maintenance.

The project will incorporate a number of other internal works packages to help improve visitor comfort and experience, including but not limited to replacement of lifts, carpet, blinds and refurbishments to the existing WC's.