ISG, B&K, Sisk, Morgan Ashurst await £1bn Leicester University decision

The University of Leicester will decide next week on a contractor to build the first phase of a planned £1bn revamp of the campus.

A quartet of contractors is battling it out for the £15m job to build a new Students’ Union building. The shortlist comprises Bowmer & Kirkland, John Sisk, ISG and Morgan Ashurst.

Work will start early next year as part of a 20-year overhaul of the university estate worth £1bn.

Designs have been drawn up by Shepheard Epstein Hunter and will provide 50% more space on the campus. Student numbers will increase to 15,000 from 10,000 through the extension and redevelopment of existing buildings.

A university spokesman said: “The Students’ Union is the first phase and we are only days away from an announcement on that.

“We OJEU all our work and there are a limited amount of frameworks for smaller contracts.”

The campus includes the Grade II listed engineering building and a host of structures designed by famous mid-20th century architects.

Steven Pidwill, director of Shepheard Epstein Hunter, said: “The University of Leicester is like a dense miniature city with a unique heritage.

“The masterplan will create a highly sustainable 21st century campus by transforming existing buildings, radically improving the spaces between buildings, and creating a series of pedestrian-priority squares at the heart of the University.”