

Yorkshire
Construction
ICOSS Building Re-clad, Roof & Window Repairs
“This project demonstrates the importance of collaboration and communication when delivering works within a live university environment.”
Lindsey Hegarty
Business Development Director, Robertson Construction

Robertson Construction has completed a £2m programme of refurbishment works across the University of Sheffield estate, including partial recladding of the ICOSS Building and facade, roof and window repairs to the Edwardian Building, protecting and extending the lifespan of two important academic facilities on a live campus.
Region:
Yorkshire
Project Type:
Construction
Sector:
Education
Start on Site:
05/07/2022
Completion:
10/12/2026
Value Band:
£2m
Procure Via the Procure Partnerships Framework
The project involved the refurbishment and repair of key buildings within the University of Sheffield estate, including partial recladding works to the ICOSS Building and facade, roof and window repairs to the Edwardian Building. The works were required to address deterioration of the building fabric, ensure ongoing compliance with safety and performance standards, and extend the lifespan of these important academic facilities.
Both buildings form part of a live university campus and are used by students, staff and researchers. The condition of external facades and roofing elements had deteriorated over time, creating risks associated with weather, thermal inefficiency and long-term structural performance. The project therefore sought to deliver a programme of works that would protect and enhance the buildings while minimising disruption to teaching, research and daily campus activity.
Delivering Works in a Live University Environment
The project was delivered within a fully operational university environment, requiring careful planning and coordination to maintain safe access and minimise disruption to building users throughout the works. The programme was structured to allow phased delivery of works to facades, roofs and windows, ensuring that areas of the buildings could remain in use while construction activities were ongoing.
The nature of the works, particularly at roof level and on historic facades, introduced technical challenges that required specialist approaches and close coordination with the client and design team. Access to sensitive and occupied areas, including laboratories and teaching spaces, required detailed engagement with end users to align construction activities with operational requirements.
Strong communication was maintained throughout the project, ensuring that the University was kept fully informed of progress and any required interventions. The team developed effective working relationships with stakeholders, which was particularly important when coordinating access and permits.

Enabling Early Contractor Engagement
The project was delivered through the Procure Partnerships Framework, providing a compliant and efficient route to market and enabling early engagement between Robertson and the University of Sheffield. Procure Partnerships Framework enabled a collaborative approach from the outset, allowing the contractor to contribute to planning, programme development and delivery strategy.
The call-off route provided flexibility to respond to the evolving nature of the works, particularly where access requirements and building conditions required close coordination and adjustment. rocure Partnerships Framework also supported the development of strong working relationships between all parties, enabling quick decision-making and effective resolution of challenges as they arose.

Scope of Works
- Partial re-cladding of the ICOSS Building
- Repair and restoration of the Edwardian building façade
- Roof repairs and renewal works
- Replacement and repair of windows
- Access and safety improvements for roof-level works
- Works delivered within a live university environment
Supporting Local Communities and Skills Development
The ICOSS Recladding and Edwardian Building refurbishment works were delivered as a coordinated programme of upgrades across the University of Sheffield estate, generating a combined package of social, economic and community value.
7
Local FTE roles created
£685,000
Spent with local SMEs on ICOSS works
30+
Weeks of accredited training delivered
£86,000
Social value contribution
Across the projects, Robertson prioritised local employment and skills development, ensuring that the benefits of investment were retained within the local economy. The programme delivered over 30 weeks of accredited training opportunities, supporting workforce development and enhancing long-term employability within the construction sector. Engagement with education and early careers initiatives supported the development of future talent pipelines within the local area.
A Successful Transformation
Community engagement and social impact activities were embedded throughout delivery. The ICOSS works included financial and in person contributions to local community projects, alongside staff volunteering hours, supporting community initiatives and strengthening links with local organisations.
For the Edwardian Building, social value delivery was proportionate to the scale of the works but still significant, achieving a planned social value contribution of approximately £86,000, supporting employment, wellbeing initiatives and positive engagement with stakeholders and end users.
The ICOSS Re-cladding and Edwardian Building refurbishment projects have successfully enhanced the performance, safety and longevity of two important University of Sheffield assets. Delivered within a live operational environment, the works demonstrate Robertson’s ability to manage complex refurbishment projects through collaborative planning, technical expertise and effective stakeholder engagement.


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“Delivered through the Procure Partnerships Framework, this project demonstrates the value of early engagement and a collaborative approach. Working closely together, the University of Sheffield, Robertson and the wider project team successfully delivered essential refurbishment works across a live campus environment, ensuring these important buildings can continue to support students, staff and researchers for years to come.”

Jaime Stanton
Framework Manager (North), Procure Partnerships Framework.
“This project demonstrates the importance of collaboration and communication when delivering works within a live university environment. By working closely with the University and end users, we were able to deliver complex refurbishment works safely and efficiently while maintaining ongoing operations.”

Lindsey Hegarty
Business Development Director, Robertson Construction
“The overall customer experience was very good. The University always knew what was going on and when it was going on, with clear communication and strong relationships throughout. The Robertson team demonstrated experience, responsiveness and a proactive approach, which contributed to a very successful project.”

David Holland
Project Manager, University of Sheffield