Estates Development Requests
Within Estates, we need to be able to manage our resources whilst maintaining a strategic view of how spaces are managed and changed.
Therefore, all requests for changes to the fabric of University spaces need to be logged directly with Estates using Estates Online.
These changes might include small works such as the addition of new sockets or putting up shelves; medium scale work like adding or removing a room wall or partition; to major works such as requesting significant re-modelling of an area or the creation of entirely new spaces or buildings.
Requests to move furniture or contents from rooms are not covered by this process and should be requested through Estates Online : Request a Service : Collect and deliver.
We ask you to complete a simple form which contains prompts about the information we need.
You should begin by identifying a need, problem or opportunity that needs to be addressed. Whilst you are welcome to suggest a potential solution, please be aware that Estates may provide alternative proposals based on the information you provide.
For example:
- Don’t say – please install 5 new sockets in my office.
- Do say – there is a trip hazard in my office due to a trailing cable that is necessary to power my PC and monitors. The addition of new sockets would alleviate this risk.
- Don’t say – please remove the wall between my office and the one next door to make one big room.
- Do say – colleagues in my department wish to work more collaboratively and we would like to have a more open plan space in order to achieve this.
By framing the request in this way, Estates will be able to consider all options and ensure the most effective solution is offered.
We also ask three focused questions:
Business benefits: describe how this change benefits the business, either operationally, financially, or both. This could be at the Department, School/Service or University level.
- This is particularly important for projects with a high financial value.
- You should refer to the University’s Strategy Map wherever you think this is relevant.
Timeframe: does the project have a deadline for completion, or is there a preferred period of time for the work to take place?
Source of funding: please indicate how much of the project you expect to be funded by your School/Service. If relevant, indicate any total budgetary constraints.
Process
After you submit your request/proposal, it will first be reviewed by your School/Service Manager, then passed to Estates.
We will consider your request as a team and either:
- Approve the request and move it on to the next stage – which could be further feasibility studies, estimates or quotes; or direct assignment to our internal maintenance teams to carry out the work.
- Refer it back to the School/Service Manager for further information or clarification.
- Turn down the request, in which case we will provide some feedback.
Your School/Service Manager will always be our first point of contact, and they will need to give approval for proceeding with the project.
You will be able to view the progress of your request on Estates Online.
For additional help see the Estates Development Requests – Quick Start Guide.
