Morgan Ashurst wins two university contracts worth £25m

Morgan Ashurst has won two contracts worth more than £25m by the University of Leeds to build a student accommodation complex, as well as refurbishing a Grade II-listed Colour Science Laboratory.

The first contract, worth £21m, will see Morgan Ashurst build two ‘half-hexagon’-shaped student accommodation blocks – one eight-storeys and the other six storeys high – at Mount Preston Street, Leeds.

The new buildings, to be named Charles Morris Halls, will accommodate 457 en-suite bedrooms, as well as shared kitchens and lounge areas. 

The contractor will crane in bathroom pods to the buildings, to reduce construction time and cost.

The second deal, worth £4m will see Morgan Ashurst refurbish the Colour Science Laboratory at Woodhouse Lane, which will remain fully operational throughout the project.

Charles Morris Halls is due to be completed in June 2010 with the refurbishment of the Colour Science Laboratory scheduled for completion in December 2010.