Category: Construction
Stepnell Enhances Higher Education Facilities Across Oxfordshire
Stepnell is reinforcing its reputation as a trusted higher education construction partner in Oxfordshire, delivering a series of technically challenging refurbishments for two of the region’s leading institutions: the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University.
Currently on site at the Henry Wellcome Building at the University of Oxford, Stepnell is undertaking a £3.3 million laboratory refurbishment to modernise specialist molecular physiology and particle imaging laboratories. Due for completion in September, the works are being delivered within a live, operational research environment, requiring precision planning and collaborative delivery.
Working closely with university stakeholders including the Nuffield Department of Medicine, and project partners Gleeds and TMD, Stepnell has carefully phased the refurbishment and laboratory decanting process to avoid disruption and prevent contamination to sensitive scientific equipment such as electron microscopes.
“It is incredibly rewarding for our team based in Wantage to support a nearby institution that is world-leading in education and research,” said Mark Knowlden, senior project manager at Stepnell. “Our proven track record in live refurbishments, laboratory upgrades and sensitive heritage work, combined with our collaborative approach and technical expertise, ensures we consistently deliver high-quality, cost-effective outcomes.”
Local Supply Chain and Social Value
Demonstrating its commitment to local investment, Stepnell has directed 70% of spend on the Henry Wellcome project to supply chain businesses within 30 miles and supported employment for five local people. The project also delivered wider social value, including an initiative with Longworth Primary School, where donated laboratory equipment and £1,100 of supply chain materials were used to create a mud kitchen for pupils—achieving a 30% social value return on investment.
Andrew Conrad, senior building and facilities manager at the Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, said: “The project’s progress under Stepnell has gone exceptionally well. Given the sensitive nature of a live laboratory environment, we have been consistently assured by Stepnell’s attention to detail and communication.”
Completed Projects for Oxford Brookes University
Stepnell also completed several key higher education refurbishments for Oxford Brookes University in 2023 under the Pagabo framework. These included an £805k refurbishment of teaching spaces at the flagship John Henry Brookes Building, and a £350k project to realign fire containment and upgrade ventilation systems in the Gibbs Building.
Neil Ward, assistant director of capital projects at Oxford Brookes, commented: “These high-quality improvements have helped ensure we continue delivering an excellent student and staff experience. Stepnell understood our needs and completed the work on time for the 2024/25 academic year.”
Looking Ahead
Stepnell has now begun a £1.1 million refurbishment at the Townsend Building within the Clarendon Laboratory at the University of Oxford—further strengthening its position as a leading university refurbishment contractor in Oxford.
