Lancaster University Management School embarks on next phase of major refurb

Conlon Construction has started work on the latest phase of the transformation of Lancaster University Management School (LUMS).

 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 will be complete in 2026.

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 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.”

 The redevelopment of LUMS strengthens the lasting partnership between Lancaster University and Conlon Construction.

The Bamber Bridge-based contractor has previously delivered several significant projects for the university, including the new sports hall extension in 2020.

 Collaborating with Conlon Construction on this project are several key consultants, including Cassidy + Ashton, Hoare Lea,  Identity Consult, Sleater & Watson, and SDA Consulting, who bring a wealth of expertise to ensure the success of this transformative development.

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).”

Prof James Faulconbridge, deputy dean of Lancaster University Management School, 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."

It comes after Lancashire Business View reported that Lancaster University contributed nearly £2bn to the economy according to figures.

The detailed analysis, produced by consultants London Economics, assessed the economic and social impact of Lancaster University across a single year 2021-22.

The university supports 8,805 jobs across the UK economy, 6,085 of which were located in the North West.