Client
Huddersfield University
Value
£2,2M
Sectors & Services
Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Coatings Corrosion Control Cleaning & Preparation
CRL delivered a complex refurbishment project to two occupied student accommodation and academic buildings at the University of Huddersfield, namely the Joseph Priestley Building and the listed Ramsden Building. Both assets are of significant operational and heritage importance and remained fully live throughout the works, with no requirement to decant students or disrupt teaching.
The project was driven by the need to upgrade ageing windows, address stonework deterioration, and introduce long-term corrosion mitigation measures. Sensitive laboratory environments, heritage constraints, and restricted access conditions required careful planning and sequencing to ensure building performance, safety, and appearance were enhanced while maintaining day-to-day university operations.
SERVICES UNDERTAKEN
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Principal Contractor duties
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Design and erection of bespoke access scaffolding to TG20
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DOFF steam cleaning to stonework
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Installation and testing of an impressed current cathodic protection system
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Replacement, repair, and redecoration of windows
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Sealing around window frames
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Stonework repairs and repointing using approved mortar mixes
The works demanded a highly controlled and adaptable approach due to the live environment, heritage considerations, and varied building uses. At the Joseph Priestley Building, all existing windows were replaced with new Schuco units. Installation was tightly phased, as only a limited number of laboratories could be released at any one time to accommodate teaching schedules. To protect sensitive laboratory equipment, full internal enclosures were constructed, enabling effective dust control during window removal and installation. Following installation, window reveals were plastered and redecorated to reinstate the internal finishes.
Externally, the stone façades were DOFF steam cleaned to remove accumulated dirt and staining without damaging the substrate. Once cleaned, mortar joints were carefully cut out to facilitate the installation of an impressed current cathodic protection system. Ribbon anodes were installed with particular care to avoid staining the stonework, after which the ICCP system was fully tested and commissioned. The chases were then repointed by specialist stonemasons using a previously approved mortar mix to match the existing fabric.
At the listed Ramsden Building, a like-for-like repair philosophy was adopted in line with conservation requirements. Sash windows were surveyed, repaired or replaced as appropriate, and all burnt mastic seals were removed and renewed. All windows were then prepared and repainted to ensure consistency across elevations. Lime mortar samples were produced and approved prior to undertaking targeted stone repairs and repointing works.
Access was provided via bespoke scaffold designs erected to TG20 standards across all elevations. Given the complex geometry of the buildings and the need to minimise interaction with students and the public, sections of scaffolding were installed and removed during out-of-hours periods. Acting as Principal Contractor, CRL coordinated all activities, demonstrating its capability in concrete repairs, structural repairs UK, and live-environment asset management.
"Working on a listed structure which was fully occupied required careful planning and co-ordination with both the University staff and the students"
Stef Fox | Senior Contracts Manager | CRL
Long-term durability and preservation were central to the refurbishment strategy. DOFF cleaning ensured the stonework was suitably prepared without introducing mechanical damage, while careful joint removal enabled the effective installation of the ICCP system to control ongoing reinforcement corrosion. Once installed, tested, and discreetly reinstated, the cathodic protection system provides continuous corrosion mitigation, significantly extending the service life of the masonry and embedded elements.
The use of approved mortar mixes and lime-based materials ensured compatibility with the existing fabric, particularly on the listed Ramsden Building. Window sealing, repainting, and like-for-like replacements enhanced weather resistance and reduced future maintenance demands. CRL’s integrated approach, combining specialist concrete repairs, heritage techniques, and corrosion control, delivers resilient, low-maintenance solutions that protect critical assets and support long-term estate management objectives.
