Leicester Commences Major Accommodation Refurbishment
August 2011
The University of Leicester has recently commenced work on redeveloping one of its primary conference facilities in Oadby. The project will result in the existing conference suite at Gilbert Murray Hall being transformed into a state-of-the-art conference venue consisting of a large central hall, 4 seminar rooms and a hospitality area.
Gilbert Murray Hall was originally founded in 1957. The design of the Hall was based upon a number of large houses built at various times in the first quarter of the 20th century and makes up one of several Halls within the 40 acre Oadby site.
The project designed by architects Shepheard Epstein Hunter incorporates features that complement the existing architecture as well as harmonise with the surrounding landscaped grounds. One of the striking features of the development is the main hall with its tall rectangular design terminating in a shaded glass eastern elevation. This will create a full width backdrop overlooking the lawns and mature trees of the surrounding grounds. Other features include energy saving techniques within the building fabric and natural ventilation through windcatcher chimneys. Part of the new roof structure will also incorporate a green ‘living roof' area.
Adjacent to Gilbert Murray is Bowder Court accommodation which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment project. A total of 145 en suite rooms are being fully refurbished and set for completion at the end of summer 2012.
Trevor Miller, Conference Sales and Marketing Manager at Leicester Conferences (the University's dedicated Conferences, meetings and events team) comments: "the redeveloped Gilbert Murray conference facility will become a significant addition to the University's venue portfolio and further demonstrates its commitment to provide first class facilities in the East Midlands."
The Gilbert Murray project is due for completion in October 2011.
