Liverpool John Moores University – John Lennon Art & Design Building
Project Scope
Krol Corlett was commissioned to deliver major mechanical and electrical installations across a live college environment at LJMU, including significant decarbonisation works.
The project involved upgrading building services to improve energy efficiency and reduce the site’s carbon footprint, with particular focus on sustainable M&E solutions.
The works included the installation of PV panels, updated pipework and cabling routes, and integration with existing services across five floors of the building. Careful coordination was required to minimise disruption to students and staff while ensuring all sustainability measures were implemented effectively.
Working in partnership with AtkinsRéalis as Project Manager and CWC as MEP Engineer, Krol Corlett led a programme of works that combined construction expertise with collaborative problem-solving to deliver a high-quality, energy-efficient result on time and within budget.
Challenges
The project presented several key challenges. Working in a live college environment for the majority of the construction period required strict planning and coordination to maintain safe access routes and segregated work areas.
Integrating new services with existing live installations, including congested ceiling voids, posed additional complexity.
The team also needed to adjust design layouts in collaboration with the client and design team to avoid clashes and ensure seamless installation.
Weekly strategy meetings with the client, design team, and subcontractors were essential in planning safe work zones, coordinating access, and agreeing scopes of work for the following week, ensuring smooth and efficient delivery.
“The project presented significant challenges due to the high volume of works, particularly during the summer close-down period when students vacated the site.
Key input from Krol Corlett and our lead MEP subcontractor helped rationalise PV panel designs, new pipework, and cabling routes to avoid congested ceiling voids.
Strong communication with LJMU Estates ensured clear understanding of challenges and solutions, maximising productivity and delivering a successful outcome.”
Innovative Solutions
Krol Corlett implemented a number of innovative approaches to overcome these challenges.
The team worked closely with the design team to rationalise PV panel layouts, as well as new pipework and cabling routes, ensuring these avoided congested ceiling spaces and integrated effectively with existing services.
Major M&E works were strategically planned across five floors during the summer close-down period to maximise efficiency.
The team also managed complex external works and maintained strong communication with LJMU Estates, ensuring clarity and consensus on key decisions throughout the project.
Social Value & Project Outcome
While the works were predominantly major M&E installations, Krol Corlett ensured social value was delivered wherever possible.
The main subcontractor, AJ Field, employed several apprentices on site, providing them with valuable practical experience.
Additionally, opportunities were offered for site visits and engagement with young people interested in pursuing careers in construction.
The project was delivered successfully, with minimal disruption to the college environment.
Effective collaboration and proactive problem-solving meant that the works were completed efficiently, avoiding delays and optimising productivity.