In the higher education sector, increased competition for students, commercial partnerships and funding means that universities need to ensure their estate offers the highest standards of teaching facilities.

As one of the UK’s leading art and design institutions, Winchester School of Art is amongst the many higher education providers that’s investing in upgrading its facilities.

And it was LST that the 150-year-old art school trusted to refurbish its photo media suite, textiles teaching area and fashion marketing and media suite.

Unlike schools, universities are still busy with students during the summer recess and, as part of the University of Southampton, Winchester School of Art remained busy throughout the eight-week programme.

LST’s experience of operational refurbishments helped us to manage the challenges of a live university site, with close cooperation with the client and daily communication with the building’s users.

A meticulous approach to managing logistics meant that we were able to occupy very little space on campus and we planned deliveries for weekends and out of hours to avoid disruption and maintain excellent access for staff and students during working hours.

The scheme included upgrades to finishes and services along with remodelling works to the textiles department.

Our attention to detail in planning the programme paid off, with all works completed and signed off by the client before the start of the new term.

The scheme builds on our long-standing relationship with the University of Southampton and our track record in the higher education sector.