JB Priestley Library Refurbishment – University of Bradford

University of Bradford

Bradford

Bowman Riley designed and managed the refurbishment of the JB Priestley library under an ongoing framework agreement with the University of Bradford.

Located on the main city campus, the refurbishment of the building forms part of the ongoing restructuring of the library facilities to enhance the student learning experience.

Bowman Riley was pivotal to the success of the project providing project management, building surveying, contract administration, principal designer and interior design services.

Student requests for improved group study areas led to the decision to relocate the University’s IT department to the second floor of the library. This move released space on the lower ground floor for a series of group learning facilities.

The lower ground floor had previously been used for a series of cellular rooms, which made the area feel enclosed and dark. We created a large open-plan light and vibrant learning space by demolishing internal walls and using the existing waffle deck structural concrete ceiling.

The result is an interior that offers a contemporary and dynamic area for students enabling various space configurations to support modern learning methods with acoustic ceiling discs to absorb sound. The design was inspired by the tech sector with exposed services and building fabric creating an industrial feel that is offset by a colourful furniture package.

Opened by Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University, the new facility was completed successfully and has been met with extremely positive feedback from students resulting in the instruction of another phase to create more open plan space within the building.