University for the Creative Arts - Student Hub Refurbishment

KK provided Cost Consultancy services to the redevelopment of two three-storey office buildings into a mixed-use space for University for the Creative Arts in Epsom, Surrey.

Completed in September 2024, ‘The Wells’ houses teaching studios, workshops, staff offices and collaborative break-out areas for students.

While the project initially appeared to be a regular refurbishment and change of building use, it grew in complexity as details of the building’s condition emerged. Although it was built in the early 1990s, the building had been vacant for three years and so needed comprehensive renovation, which included its IT and MEP infrastructure.

Issues with the existing building condition required significantly more remedial work, and associated funding, than expected. This meant that the Contractor and Client were facing increasing costs while still up against the deadline of the start of the 2024 academic year.

To mitigate the effect of the issues that arose, KK provided responsive and timely cost information to enable swift decisions to be made, to help keep the works on track. KK also engaged with the Client and Project Manager to provide more frequent and specific cost reporting, to provide clarity to the senior management team. This enabled the release of further funding and removed uncertainty for the project’s final stages.

Effective communication, built on the foundation of weekly reporting meetings, was critical throughout, to keep all parties informed of progress and keep them onboard during negotiations.

“Kendall Kingscott provided prompt and proactive input; working closely with the project managers Fulkers Bailey Russell, the contractor Maris Interiors and our key stakeholders to achieve the timely delivery of this project, despite the challenges.”

Dr Akin Oluwatudimu, Director of Estates & Facilities, University for the Creative Arts.