Whitfield & Brown delivered a fast‑track refurbishment at the University of Liverpool’s Oxford Street Sports Centre, enhancing the swimming pool and associated changing facilities while the building remained fully operational.
Close collaboration with the University was essential to ensure that sporting activities, including scheduled swimming sessions, continued with minimal disruption throughout the works. The project was carefully planned to maintain safety, programme certainty and continuity of use within a live university environment.
Refurbishment works and technical upgrades
The works involved the removal of the existing changing areas and the creation of a new, contemporary changing village supported by upgraded building services. Significant improvements were made to the pool hall, including the replacement of curtain glazing with Kalwall systems to improve natural light quality and thermal performance.
A new air handling unit was installed alongside a new pool ceiling structure, with further upgrades to pool drainage, grouting and screeding to enhance durability and long‑term performance.
Delivering in an occupied environment
The refurbishment was completed within a 15‑week programme, requiring careful sequencing and close coordination with University stakeholders. Robust segregation and safety measures were implemented to protect staff and users while enabling uninterrupted access to the wider sports facilities.
Whitfield & Brown’s approach ensured the project was delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard, despite the complexities of working within an operational building.
Community impact
The upgraded facilities provide improved amenities for students, staff and visitors, supporting health, wellbeing and participation in sport across the University community. The modernised pool and changing facilities enhance the overall user experience while extending the lifespan of a key campus asset.
The Oxford Street Sports Centre refurbishment demonstrates Whitfield & Brown’s expertise in delivering complex refurbishment projects within live environments, combining technical capability with collaborative delivery and careful programme management.
