De Montfort University
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Location: The Amp, London
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Sector: Education
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Service: Fit-Out
Tilbury Douglas Fit-Out was appointed by De Montfort University via the Pagabo Framework to deliver the fit-out of its new flagship London Campus at The Amp in Whitechapel. The project forms a key part of DMU’s strategic expansion into the capital, providing a high-quality postgraduate learning environment located at the heart of London’s global business district.
Delivered under a fast-paced single-stage Design & Build contract, the scheme required close collaboration with the client, professional team, landlord, and supply chain to achieve occupation in time for the academic year.
At a glance...
£3.83m
Project value
26, 98 weeks
Duration
16,500
Sq ft
Scope of works
The project comprised the Cat B fit-out of Level 6, creating flexible teaching, collaboration, and support spaces designed around DMU’s innovative block teaching model.
Works included:
- New partitions, teaching rooms, and meeting spaces
- Exposed services installation with associated base build modifications
- High-performance acoustic wall and ceiling treatments
- Sliding and folding wall systems for space flexibility
- Structural steelwork and roof penetrations
- Roof-mounted AHU and bespoke acoustic plant enclosure
- Comms room, tea points, and support spaces
- Full fixed and loose furniture package
The works were delivered within a multi-occupied building, requiring careful logistics and coordination.
Design & collaboration
The client issued a RIBA Stage 3 design, with Tilbury Douglas Fit-Out assuming responsibility from Stage 4 onwards, including full design coordination and technical development.
A collaborative approach was central to the project’s success, supported by:
- Twice-weekly client and consultant meetings
- Close engagement with DMU to align delivery with “go live” priorities
- Proactive coordination with the landlord to manage approvals and constraints
The scheme was delivered without compromising the building’s existing BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Key challenges
The principle challenge was maintaining programme certainty in the face of external risks, including:
- Additional asbestos checks and remediation
- Licence to alter challenges due to roof works scope
Both risks had the potential to impact the critical academic start date.
Our solution
Tilbury Douglas Fit-Out mitigated these challenges through:
- Detailed programme management and proactive re-sequencing of works
- Early identification of critical teaching spaces to enable sectional completion
- Strong supply chain relationships to maintain momentum despite constraints
This approach enabled client occupation and commencement of teaching in line with programme requirements, with final Practical Completion achieved shortly thereafter.
Health, safety & quality
- Zero reportable accidents or incidents
- Average independent Health & Safety inspection score of 94%
- Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 44/45 (Excellent)
- All occupied space defects cleared prior to Practical Completion
Tilbury Douglas Fit-Out’s “Changing the Conversation” safety initiative was embedded throughout the project, supporting a positive and engaged site culture. Average score 93% across the life of the project.
Social value & sustainability
- 20% of the project team comprised apprentices and graduates
- 98% of waste diverted from landfill
- Strong focus on workforce wellbeing, including an excellent site setup and wellbeing initiatives
- Local engagement opportunities and employability support offered to the client
Outcome
The completed campus provides De Montfort University with a modern, flexible, and high-quality learning environment in a prime London location. The project demonstrates Tilbury Douglas Fit-Out’s ability to deliver complex, time-critical higher education fit-out projects through collaboration, technical expertise, and programme-led delivery.
Client benefit
- Teaching commenced on time for the academic year
- High-quality fit-out aligned with DMU’s academic and sustainability objectives
- Safe, defect-free delivery within a live, multi-occupied building
Our partners
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PM – Atkins Réalis
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PQS – Atkins Réalis
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Architect – AHR Architects
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MEP – CPMG