Lancaster University Management School embarks on next phase on major refurb project
The latest phase of the ambitious transformation of Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), designed by Cassidy + Ashton is officially underway.
Conlon Construction is leading the redevelopment of the East Estate at this globally recognised institution, in collaboration with several key consultants including Cassidy + Ashton who is providing architectural and planning consulting services. Hoare Lea and Sleater & Watson are providing structural and engineering services.
The project aims to transform the nearly 50-year-old building, aligning it with the modern standards set by the recently completed LUMS West Pavilion, all while delivering cutting-edge facilities designed to meet the evolving needs of business education, research, and engagement.
Spanning 6,778 sqm across three floors, the LUMS East Estate redevelopment broke ground this month and is expected to complete in late 2025.
As one of Lancaster University’s four faculties, LUMS will benefit from modernised meeting and teaching spaces, expanded breakout and informal study areas, and improved accessibility, including a new link corridor connecting the Spine to the West Pavilion.
The facility will also house a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite for financial analytics teaching, new careers zones, an expanded PC lab, and a contemporary café and staff lounge.
Chartered architect Lawrence McBurney, director at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “We are immensely proud of our heritage with Lancaster University, and are thrilled to collaborate once again with Conlon Construction on this important project to modernise the facilities at the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).
“With construction onsite, the first steps are being taken to create a modern, inspiring space, ensuring that future users of LUMS enjoy a dynamic and inspiring environment.”
The facility will also house a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite for financial analytics teaching, new careers zones, an expanded PC lab that can also be used for electronic examinations, and a contemporary café.
The LUMS project is part of a wider transformation of the faculty estate, positioning it as a world-class hub for teaching and research, on par with other prestigious business schools globally, and is focused on delivering high levels of student satisfaction.
By opting for refurbishment over new construction, the redevelopment aligns with the University’s sustainability goals, resulting in an estimated 3,013 tonnes of CO2 equivalent saved during the project lifespan.
Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “It’s wonderful to commence work on the East Estate at LUMS – a truly tremendous project – and we consider it an absolute pleasure to work in partnership, once again, with a fantastic supply chain to deliver this winning addition to Lancaster University’s growing collection of cutting-edge learning facilities.
“We look forward to seeing the new management school take shape to ultimately fulfil the evolving needs of those who call LUMS home, namely its faculty, staff and students.”
Simon Barlow, associate, chartered architect (RIBA) at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “Cassidy + Ashton has a strong presence providing architectural, planning and design consultancy support to the higher education sector and it’s a privilege to be involved in such a prestigious project.
“Having worked very closely with LUMS and the team at Conlon Construction, the vision for the upgraded facilities was encouraged and developed by all involved to ensure a feasible outcome that is environmentally positive, wellbeing centric and efficient in its use. This will ensure the continued provision of a high-class facility that enhances and promotes positive experiences of higher education for all users while at Lancaster University.”
Deputy Dean of Lancaster University Management School, Professor James Faulconbridge, said: “We are enjoying working with Conlon Construction and watching our plans for the East Estate come to life.
“As one of oldest business schools in the UK, the design will be sympathetic to our heritage but will bring the 1970s aspects of our buildings into line with the first-class, modern facilities provided by our new West Pavilion. This will mean our staff and students will have access to the same high standards and exciting spaces in all corners of our Management School.”
The LUMS redevelopment builds on the long-standing relationship between Lancaster University, Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton. Conlon Construction previously delivered a number of key projects for the university, including a new-build extension to the sports hall in 2020 and the refurbishment of The Ruskin building, one of the university’s most iconic landmarks.
Cassidy + Ashton has a rich history with the university, having designed its renowned Chaplaincy Centre in 1969, a bold and distinctive multi-faith building that broke away from the conventional straight lines of other campus structures. The design, with its unifying ascending spires, even inspired the university’s original logo.
Pictured above: Simon Barlow, Lawrence McBurney, and Jon Bailey from Cassidy + Ashton at the construction site.
Pictured below left: The LUMS project team including Cassidy + Ashton and Conlon Construction and LUMS representatives;
Pictured below right: Lawrence McBurney, chartered architect, Cassidy + Ashton; Professor Claire Leitch, executive Dean, LUMS; Nicola Owen, deputy chief executive (operations) LUMS and Darren Lee, commercial director, Conlon Construction.
Plus an image of the proposed work designed by Cassidy + Ashton.
