ESCP Business School has now undergone the first of four stages of essential maintenance works on its UK campus, with Rund as Building Surveyor and Principal Designer.

The unique school has six campuses across Europe and its UK campus, based in West Hampstead in north-west London, offers students state-of-the-art facilities in a traditional Victorian building. The establishment features Victorian brickwork mixed with terracotta architectural embellishments, leadwork and numerous large chimneys, all labels of its rich heritage.

ESCP Business School first appointed Rund in 2019, where we carried out focused structural inspections and detailed scheduling to identify all necessary works and develop a four-stage conservation programme. Stage one involved initial high-level asset repairs across two phases, with all works taking place prior to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Stephen Seeney, Senior Surveyor at Rund Partnership commented: “Our team has extensive experience in providing Building Surveying services in both the heritage and education sectors, and we recognise the importance of preserving cherished buildings steeped in history. ESCP Business School has provided thousands of students with prestigious teaching facilities for many decades, so our work has been fundamental in ensuring it continues operating to such high standards.”

Our scope of work involved procuring highly skilled contractors, carrying out a stringent vetting experience to ensure all tendering contractors worked to the highest standards. Our expertise in delivering quality in construction has been paramount as we have been closely managing quality control procedures throughout each phase.

The layout of the esteemed building has presented various challenges, due to access restrictions and subsequent difficulties in scaffolding placement. The school is also frequented by around 6,000 students a year, so a sympathetic programme of works has been essential for ensuring minimal disruption.