Originally built in the 1970s Coniston Hall has been a student halls of residence since 1993 when Ashley Education Trust ac quired the premises. Extensive refurbishments were required to modernize the building and ensure compliance with DDA stan- dards.

The 6 month project included;
* Extensive refurbishment and modernisation of 80 existing stu- dent bedrooms,
* Conversion of 2 existing rooms to form new, specially designed, self contained DDA bedrooms with en suite facilities, * Refurbishment of 2 rooms to form modern multi use, com- puter / study rooms,
* Refurbishment and fit out of a number of communal recrea- tion areas with soft furniture and televisions,
* A completely refurbished on-site Chapel,
* And extensive refurbishments to the existing entrance hall.

The buildings M&E systems were also fully updated and replaced, with new energy efficient plant and equipment.

The new external glass lift tower and the contemporary conser- vatory extension have dramatically updated the overall appear- ance of the original 1970’s building.

McGoff and Byrne worked closely with the design team and lead the value engineering of the project, particularly regarding the curtain walling system used for the lift tower and conservatory. By contributing to the process, McGoff and Byrne ensured maxi- mum savings were achieved on the value engineering.

One of the main challenges faced on the project was the discov- ery of extensive areas of asbestos, AIB ceiling tiles and duct pro- tection. The control measures successfully adopted by McGoff and Byre to minimise the risk were;
* The implementation of a sophisticated management plan,
* A strict restricted access and labelling policy,
* Comprehensive site specific inductions and on-site operative training,
* The introduction of a 12 month periodic inspections, on behalf of the client.

Due to the concealed nature and location of the asbestos it had not been identified during the initial pre construction asbestos survey and therefore had not been accounted for in the pro- gramme.

Upon discovery of the asbestos McGoff and Byrne reviewed the programme, and by working closely with the client and a li- censed asbestos removal contractor, a planned sequence of handover was formulated that ensured the client’s needs were met, and that the project was handed over on time.