LEISURE & HOSPITALITY


UNIVERSITY FOOD COURT’S STREET STYLE REFURB


Delivering a true step change in this sector, SoVibrant, strategic creative consultant, has


successfully transformed the catering facilities at University of Birmingham’s College of Medical and Dental Sciences. The new, high specification food court provides students, staff and visitors with a high


street-style space to socialise, whilst satisfying a host of culinary tastes.


University of Birmingham’s Director of Catering, Nic Mander, commissioned SoVibrant to redesign the basement food court, which covers an area of 9,500 sq ft and seats approximately 360 people at any one time. He explained how the project came about: “Following extensive flood damage from a burst water main in August 2015, proposals to refurbish the space were accelerated and up-scaled. We viewed it as an opportunity to deliver a new and exciting facility.


“It’s a key space for the college, and as a research-intensive, world- class Russell Group university, it’s vital that the facilities and services reflect the quality of the students and academia. Historically, universities have not been recognised for food and beverage, our aim was to change this and set a new precedent.


“During a typical day, there are around 1,400 to 1,500 students, staff and visitors on campus passing through the facility. We wanted it to be a place that allowed people to socialise and feel inspired.”


By understanding how people, processes, technology and spaces integrate and interact, now and in the future, the SoVibrant team presented the proposed interior


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scheme at the start of November 2015 – a bespoke, creative solution that also demonstrated clearly how the people-flow throughout the space would be managed.


With a strong new brand, the refurbished food court features a light and airy environment that introduces a palette of vibrant colours. Its quality of fit- out, undertaken by specialist refurbishment contractor, Murray & Willis, can rival high street coffee and food outlets. The food offering has been expanded to host live cooking stations in the hot food area.


Commenting on SoVibrant’s performance, Nic Mander said: “SoVibrant’s unique approach delivered a fantastic food court solution. It’s been incredibly well received by the students and staff, and is definitely encouraging the students to participate in more on- campus activity.


SoVibrant’s Head of Interiors, Stephen Murray, commented on the completed project, he said: “This latest project cements further SoVibrant’s growing reputation in the university sector. It was the short timescale that created our main challenge for this particular scheme, however the scheme was designed to


be deliverable immediately, and it was. Competent management of the stakeholder approval process and close consultation with the other contractors ensured an efficient fit-out.”


Director of Hospitality and Accommodation Services at the University of Birmingham, Stuart Richards said: “SoVibrant carried out a comprehensive refurbishment of our food court to create an exciting new food retail and social destination for staff, visitors and students that reflects the medical environment in which it is based.


The scheme brings the best of the high street on to campus and will help to enable our team to deliver a high standard of service and a modern, varied food offer, in an environment people love.”


The University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences is one of Britain's oldest medical schools training approximately 400 Medics, 70 Pharmacists, 150 Biomedical Science students, 70 Dentists and 125 Nurses each year. The project is located within the basement of the Wolfson building, beneath the Leonard Deacon Lecture Theatre.


www.sovibrant.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


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