Retrofitting Complex Education Estates: Lessons from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Kevin Stewart, Head of Estates, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Mark Buckle, Technical Director, Tilbury Douglas; & Jane O'Leary, Sector Director Devolved Government, Tilbury Douglas

This practical session examines how existing buildings can be modernised through retrofit, adaptation and sensitive reuse. Drawing on two complex refurbishment projects delivered by Tilbury Douglas at LSTM, the new Human Challenge Facility and creation of a Containment Level 3 Robotics Laboratory, it outlines proven approaches to early surveys, feasibility testing and infrastructure planning within constrained fabric. It explores phasing works in live environments and delivering pragmatic compliance upgrades with minimal strip out. The session also demonstrates how retention and targeted improvements support low carbon objectives and help futureproof ageing estates through practical, replicable strategies.

Refurbishment, reuse & adaption - Riley Court, University of Warwick
Aditi Saxena, Sustainability Lead, Bond Bryan

This session explores the realities of refurbishing and adapting existing education estates through the case study of Riley Court at the University of Warwick. As institutions prioritise decarbonisation and long-term resilience, retrofit presents both significant opportunity and complex delivery challenges. The presentation examines how sustainability ambitions, cost constraints and existing building limitations were balanced through detailed options appraisal and collaborative working with Arup. Focusing on reuse, embodied carbon reduction and practical decision-making, the session provides an honest reflection on delivering retrofit in a live education environment. Delegates will gain actionable insights into managing trade-offs and achieving viable, sustainable estate renewal.