Student Central – University of Huddersfield

The existing green roofing and liquid waterproofing systems had reached the end of their serviceable lives. Years of exposure had reduced the effectiveness of the waterproofing, leaving the roof unable to provide reliable long-term protection against water ingress.

The deterioration of the green roof also meant the system was no longer delivering the biodiversity and rainwater attenuation benefits it had originally been designed to provide.

The refurbishment extended beyond the main green roof and included the boardroom roof, canopy and patio areas. Existing roof safety arrangements also required improvement to provide safer, compliant access for future inspection and maintenance.

Student Central’s position within one of the busiest areas of the University campus created significant logistical challenges. The building sits alongside heavily used pedestrian routes and close to Huddersfield town centre, meaning deliveries, lifting operations and material movements needed to be carefully coordinated around day-to-day campus activity.

When the original crane strategy proved unsuitable because of the available site constraints, Central worked with the wider project team to revise the lifting methodology. Three smaller cranes were used instead, with the operation rescheduled over a Bank Holiday weekend to take advantage of reduced campus footfall. This allowed the lifting works to proceed safely while maintaining the programme.

Further challenges arose when areas of unsuitable roof substrate were identified during the works. Localised remedial treatment was completed before waterproofing could continue, with the programme adapted to accommodate the additional work without disrupting University operations or compromising the quality of the finished system.

The completed refurbishment has provided Student Central with a durable and coordinated waterproofing solution across its multiple roof areas. The reinstated extensive sedum roof has restored biodiversity and rainwater attenuation, while the new permanent safety systems support safer future inspection and maintenance.

Detailed condition surveys were undertaken to establish the extent of the required works and inform the refurbishment strategy. Central worked closely with the University of Huddersfield, AHR, Acaster Safety Management Ltd and Garland UK to develop a coordinated solution across the building’s varied roof areas.

The existing waterproofing was stripped back and the concrete deck prepared for the installation of a new Garland Dura-Coat liquid waterproofing system. Wherever suitable, the existing XPS insulation was retained and reused, reducing unnecessary material waste while supporting the University’s sustainability objectives.

Following completion of the waterproofing works, the extensive sedum green roof was fully reinstated. The new build-up incorporated drainage layers, engineered growing medium and aluminium retention edging, restoring the roof’s biodiversity and rainwater attenuation functions.

Permanent Mansafe systems were also installed to improve access for future inspection and maintenance. The boardroom roof, canopy and patio areas were refurbished as part of the wider programme, providing a coordinated waterproofing solution across the building.

Material movement formed a significant part of the delivery strategy. GEDA vertical hoists were used to transport roofing materials and mechanical and electrical equipment to roof level, while crane operations were required to remove the failed green roof and install the replacement system.

As Principal Contractor, Central managed the specialist subcontractors, programme delivery, health and safety requirements and stakeholder communication throughout the refurbishment, allowing Student Central to remain operational during the works.