Leeds Beckett University Carnegie School of Sport

A True Partnership Approach

Carnegie School of Sport is the UK’s biggest school of its type and new facilities were required to match the school’s achievements and ambitions. Architects Sheppard Robson worked to create a design for a contemporary building that sets itself out as a state-of-the-art facility whilst also referencing the heritage of the surrounding campus. Their design features concave aluminium cladding, a full height glazed atrium overlooking the outdoor running track and what is the building’s most striking feature – a 60m indoor athletics track at roof level with cantilevered spaces to both front and back.

Universal AV have been in a single source supply agreement with Leeds Beckett University since 2016. The partnership has seen Universal and the University work together to deliver some exceptional work, and this project was no different.

Joe McGahan, AV Development Specialist at Leeds Beckett commented; “Over 30 spaces needed to be equipped with Audio Visual Solutions. The single source supply agreement we already had in place with Universal AV allowed us to consult with Universal at the very early stages of the project. This made it so much easier and meant we were able to have very open and honest conversations about what was needed and what would work before we even looked at pricing. Engaging with Universal project managers and consultants at the beginning also provided consultancy when it was needed most and this continued throughout the process.”

He continued; “The Universal AV Technical Director worked on this from the very beginning. AV does not traditionally get enough exposure and involvement in a project so early on so it was helpful to be working with someone who knows the University and how we work, but can take a step back and see the project from an external perspective.

“He could see where there may be design issues, helped overcome them, provide alternative options and was instrumental in a lot of the final designs.”

“The five Lecture theatres provided some particular technical challenges. As a University we had a specific vision for these collaborative spaces. A number of the features we wanted to deploy were unique so we had no frame of reference to solve these problems. Having the Technical Director available to discuss these issues with and explore solutions was vital to the theatres’ success.”

An ever changing landscape

Timescales and deadlines are often challenging in new build construction. Changing deadlines within the construction phase of the building complicated delivery of the Audio Visual Solutions.

Joe commented: “We worked with Universal and contractors closely when schedules needed to be changed at short notice. Universal were really flexible with this and worked with us to provide solutions. Our single source agreement also meant that we could re-deploy man-power quickly to and from other University projects. Not having to tender individual projects and lose weeks of time meant we were able to mobilise this sort of activity quickly.”

What happens when a Pandemic hits?

As progress was being made and the building was in the process of handing over from the Developers we hit a Global Pandemic with all of the unprecedented and unpredictable factor that brought. How we worked through this situation with Leeds Beckett and the contractors was testament to how a good relationship should work.

Neil, Universal AV’s project manager for the works liaised between the University and the main contractor, Galliford Try. Procurement of works were split with some works being delivered to the contractor and some works being delivered directly to the University. This ensured all AV infrastructure could be delivered in an efficient, timely manner within the construction phase of the building whilst all equipment, commissioning and programming was supplied directly to the University, reducing cost and complications and ensuring after service and administering warranties is kept simple. As Universal’s Project Manager, Neil bridged the gaps between the contractor and University to ensure smooth delivery of all Audio Visual works.

With delayed building completion Universal AV were scheduled to be on site in February through into March with completion for Easter. Deadlines were tight and a 12 week installation window needed to be condensed into 8 weeks.

When Covid restriction began to be implemented in March, this complicated and delayed work further whilst the implications of working on site safely were fully understood and assessments and working practices could be put in place. Universal responded quickly in line with these changes and worked alongside the University to complete all installations efficiently and safely.

The finish line

Joe continued: “The building is a fantastic facility and is a testimony as to what can happen when everyone works together. We interacted directly with the architects to maintain their vision whilst delivering the facilities we need as a University. I’m proud of the Audio Visual facilities we have delivered and feel that they integrate and complement the world class building and sporting facilities.”

Why Choose Universal AV?

From an initial consultation to design, programming, and integration, Universal AV will work tirelessly with you to ensure you receive the right solution for your audio visual needs in any given environment, on time and on budget. Whether you’re ready to begin your project or simply want to express your interest in our services, please get in touch with us via the contact form below or our contact page.