Kirtley Building
You'll probably be aware that the Kirtley Building at the University's Kedleston Road site, in Derby, had previously undergone some reconstruction and improvement works.
Last year (2009) the University's Estates department announced a £100,000 project to create a dance studio and associated spaces within the existing 1960s-built, single storey structure.
New project
A much more ambitious £3.3m project involving the Kirtley Building is now underway. It is being wholly financed from the University's own budgets.
This work will be carried out in three phases:
Phase One (August to September) - demolition of part of the Kirtley Building, additional works to the dance studio and Kirtley Hall area
Phase Two (September to December) - improvement works to other Kirtley Building spaces and erection of steelwork for the building extension
Phase Three (December to January) - improvements to exterior appearance. Completion of the three-storey addition to Kirtley Building, which will house:
- ground floor - a state of the art gym and fitness centre, replacing the existing Fizeek gym which will close
- first floor classrooms primarily for Primary Education
- second floor open plan area.
The final Phase Three is subject to the success of a planning application, submitted to Derby City Council and shortly to be decided on.
Work on the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2011 with staff moving into the premises in March.
OPL - the company which completed the £13.5m refenestration of the three Kedleston Road towers - has also been chosen as the main contractor for the Kirtley Building project.
Ian Willgoose, University Director of Estates, said: "The University has invested heavily over the last few years in improving its sport facilities.
"These have included the opening of the all-weather sports pitch and tennis courts at our Kedleston Road site, and the ongoing £1.5m refurbishment of the Harpur Hill facilities near our Buxton Campus.
"Investment in these, and the Kirtley Building works, is seen as essential if we are to keep the University's facilities attractive and enhance our students' experience while at Derby."
Enquiries about the Kirtley Building project should be directed to the Estates department on ext 1100, or 01332 591111, or email i.willgoose@derby.ac.uk.
