The Ramsden building belongs to the University of Huddersfield, and has been granted permission for refurbishment by GSSArchitecture
The Ramsden Building sits within the Huddersfield Town Centre Conservation Area, and requires refurbishment in line with accommodating three new stakeholder groups.
The groups are the International Study Centre, International Office, and The Graduate School.
Refurbishment will be designed and planned by GSSArchitecture
The Ramsden Building is a Grade 2 listed building, requiring work on the existing infrastructure including a strip out and replacement of electrical and mechanical systems and installation of new air-source heat pumps.
This project comes as part of the University of Huddersfield’s decarbonisation effort to become a net zero in-operation building.
The designs will also respect the building’s heritage, looking to both reveal and highlight the elements that have survived previous use and refurbishment. This will include the removal of suspended ceilings, revealing the original ceiling and its features, as well as uncovering carpets to show the original floors, including both hardwood/timber and marble/stone effect floors.
The plans also propose the dismantling of the later addition third wall to the front of the building, doubling the height of the event space for the university. Windows will also be reopened, original roof structures revealed, and new roof lights installed for natural light.
The Ramsden Building was first opened in 1883 by the Huddersfield Technical School and Mechanics’ Institute. This institute later merged with the Huddersfield Female Educational Institute, one of the first that provided evening classes for girls and young women.
Originally,
the design of the building saw workshops and laboratories for instruction in cloth manufacture, dyeing and chemistry, as well as physics, maths, mechanics, art, languages, and commerce.
“A thoughtful and sympathetic design” for the Ramsden Building
Alex Proctor, senior associate at GSS has said, “We’re delighted to see the refurbishment of the Ramsden Building progressing, a project that showcases our team’s expertise in higher education and conservation. Our team at GSSArchitecture has worked incredibly hard to produce a thoughtful and sympathetic design, and we are excited to be delivering a scheme that not only preserves the historic character of this iconic building but also supports the University of Huddersfield’s commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability.
“This project holds particular significance for me personally, as the University of Huddersfield is where I completed my architectural studies. It’s a privilege to contribute to the transformation of such a historic building at an institution that has played a key role in shaping my career.
“I’d like to thank our talented colleagues at GSSArchitecture, as well as the wider design team—Curtins, Buro Happold, and Gardiner & Theobald—for their outstanding contributions. We are also immensely grateful to the University of Huddersfield for their trust and collaboration, which has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”
Professor Tim Thornton, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, said: “It’s very exciting to see this important project begin to transform the sustainability of one of the University’s oldest and most important buildings.
“The work will allow for further development of the University’s work with international students, who add so much to the vibrancy and diversity of the campus, and to our support for the large community of postgraduate researchers, further strengthening our innovation agenda.”
