Work has begun on the refurbishment of the previous HMRC building, Lawress Hall, to convert it into a major new office space for the University of Lincoln.

Lindum Group is currently working on the internal strip out, which includes removing the electrics to ensure the fabrics of the building do not get damaged during the refurbishment works.

Internal walls and partitions will also come down to create an open space for the redesign.

The refit will include the installation of bespoke features, such as living walls, meeting pods and new work stations. There will also be new catering facilities, including coffee stations and a cafe.

Bevan Adams, Estates Project Manager at the University of Lincoln, said: “Set on the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Park Campus, Lawress Hall will provide new opportunities in a wonderful setting for connection and collaboration within and between professional services departments.

“It responds to new patterns of agile working, with a strong emphasis of wellbeing where colleagues can work from home and from different on-campus locations depending on their roles, circumstances and business needs.”

New energy efficient LED lights will be installed, with upgraded Wi-Fi systems, new fire alarms and upgraded toilet facilities. A new multi-faith area will also be created as part of the works.

Ron Adamson, Lindum Construction Manager, said: “This is a very important project for the University of Lincoln. The building will be a flagship new hub for the University, bringing staff from various professional services teams together in one building.

“Lindum are very pleased to have been awarded the project for this very prestigious refurbishment of the old HMRC building. The building is designed with innovation and collaboration in mind. It also benefits from a wonderful location on the University’s Riseholme Campus, spanning more than 200 hectares and featuring woodlands, a lake and heritage features such as a registered park and garden.

“We will be working with local contractors on this project to maintain a local presence and ensure we carry on supporting the local economy.”

The original building, which was purpose built in 1994 for HMRC, was acquired by the University of Lincoln in 2021. It includes leisure facilities with a swimming pool and gym. Lindum will be completing recommissioning works on the swimming pool as part of the project.

The work was procured through SCAPE’s Regional Construction Framework.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE said: “Lawress Hall is one of the first projects on our Regional Construction Framework to have started on site, since we awarded our eight partners last summer. The refurbishment will not only provide better working facilities for staff at the University of Lincoln but will also provide social value to the local community. We are proud to be supporting Lindum in accelerating this project forward.”

The strip out work will run until Christmas Eve, with the interior refurbishment starting in January targeting completion in spring 2023.