Dine in style with new surroundings at the Arts Institute.

6th June 2008

Greendale Construction, a chartered building company are currently working on a £500,000 contract which is the first phase of a refectory project to provide increased capacity and better facilities to students at the Arts Institute.

Back in the early 90s a kitchen was installed, however, despite an extension in 1999 the kitchen remained too small and the equipment was outdated and so was unable to accommodate the requirements.

This first phase of the plans will see a new kitchen and servery situated on the west side of the building which will be modern and contemporary and will provide a more attractive and efficient facility. The original kitchen will be demolished this summer and the space will be used to provide greater capacity seating and service points.

The work commenced in the spring and will be completed in September 2008 ready for the new term when more than 2,000 students, new and established will be able to enjoy the new facilities and make the most of their new refectory.

It is the latest contract for Greendale at the Arts Institute who previously completed a £1+million project to create a new “northlight” studio on site last year. They have also carried out various alterations to existing buildings to accommodate the new in take of students and art courses being run.

Chris Kane, director of Greendale Construction says: “Having been heavily involved in improving the working environment for students it is good to have a chance to help create the right space for them to relax over lunch and catch up with their peers. We hope everyone returning for the new term will make the most of the new facility.”

Established in 1885, The Institute is one of only fifteen specialist higher education institutions in the UK devoted solely to the study of arts, drama and music. It offers a diverse range of subjects in arts, design and media, including film production, costume, graphic design and photography.

The Institute's Principal, Professor Stuart Bartholomew, commented "We continue to develop our campus to ensure that our students have the best facilities in which to work and study; areas in which to relax are equally important and we're delighted to be working once again with Greendale to build this new refectory for staff and students".