An interiors specialist has been awarded a £4.5 million contract to transform a Grade II listed building into London’s newest university campus.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has been chosen by Coventry University to create its new CU London campus at the Civic Centre in Dagenham, breathing a new lease of life into the building.
The project will see the interiors specialist of Willmott Dixon transform the current Civic Centre into a cutting-edge learning environment for students undertaking a range of full and part-time courses.
Based upon the high-quality and low-cost career-focused model of higher education pioneered by Coventry University through its CU Coventry model, CU London will offer lower fees and more flexible learning options.
The University worked with Barking and Dagenham Council to develop plans for the new campus which will open in September 2017 and applications are now being accepted, with open events being held for potential students twice a month until July.
As well as making higher education more accessible, Willmott Dixon Interiors is engaging with the wider community to offer a variety of training and employability opportunities.
The team is currently recruiting local residents for apprenticeship and work experience opportunities to help more people to get into construction.
As part of the company’s drive to enhance the life chances of 10,000 young people, the team is also offering extra-curricular support in local schools, mentoring and employability skills workshops.
This is Willmott Dixon’s second project for Coventry University following the completion of its new-build Scarborough campus last year and also marks another major project for Willmott Dixon Interiors in the education sector.
Mike Hart, Chief Operating Officer of Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Coventry University to create a modern and inspiring learning space in London. Coventry University’s model is a very imaginative one which enables more people to have access to higher education.”
John Dishman, chief executive officer and director of CU Coventry, added: “We are very happy to be working with Willmott Dixon on our new campus in Dagenham as we look to expand further.
“As we look to make higher education more accessible, it is excellent that Willmott Dixon Interiors is offering training and employability opportunities to local residents as part of the project.
“The Civic Centre is an iconic east London landmark and Willmott Dixon is experienced in transforming listed buildings. We look forward to seeing the campus take shape over the coming months.”
Along with other Willmott Dixon project sites, CU London will also participate in this year’s Open Doors event being held in March 2017.
The next open day at CU London will be held on March 4 from 10am to 2pm as well as drop-in sessions on February 15 and March 15, both from 10am to 4pm. For more details or to book a place at an event, visit http://www.coventry.ac.uk/cul/
Willmott Dixon Interiors offers a range of services including refurbishment and category b fit outs.