George Downing Construction (GDC) has appointed SES Engineering Services (SES) to provide M&E works for Leeds Beckett University's new £80 million building in the city centre.

The Creative Arts Building will house a number of performing arts and music performance spaces, a TV studio, film studios, a 220-seat cinema, recording studios and a theatre as well as a black box studio and green screen studio.

It will also be the home to the university's School of Film, Music and Performing Arts as well as its Fashion Department.

SES will deliver a full range of building services, including heating, cooling, ventilation and public health, as well as smoke ventilation and security on the building under its £12m contract.

Constructed on a sloping site, the building's design incorporates many changes in levels, presenting a challenge for the installation and co-ordination of a high volume of building services. SES will use its BIM Level 2 expertise to ensure that the required services not only fit within the building, but are designed and installed in such a way that maintenance and future access provision has been meticulously planned for.


SES is expected to start its work on site in January 2019.

Steve Joyce, business director for the North and Scotland, SES, said: "Our reputation of working at the forefront of major new build and refurbishment projects in the higher education sector is growing with each technically challenging project we successfully deliver. I am delighted therefore, to announce our appointment with GDC on such a landmark building as Leeds Beckett University's outstanding Creative Arts Building.

"Our early adoption of BIM Level 2, combined with Prism, our offsite manufacturing facility, are contributing factors, along with our dedicated team of project managers and site operatives, to our ongoing work winning success. In addition to the extensive range of building services required, we will also be installing rooftop MEP plant and equipment, which will be necessary to crane in, adding a further challenge to our delivery of the scheme. However, it is one which I am confident we will take in our stride."

Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor of the University, added: "Leeds Beckett University is a major contributor to the success of the cultural and creative industries of Leeds and the 'creative conurbation' which is developing in the greater North. This latest investment will further enhance our positive social, cultural and economic impact. I'm delighted to see the progress on site that GDC and its team are already making."

(CM/MH)