Beauty Training Suite and Lecture Theatre Transformation
The Brief
Working alongside Bowman Riley and the estates team at York College, Ben Johnson Interiors was appointed to deliver two higher education fit out refurbishment projects during the summer shutdown period. York College required the transformation of a redundant office space into a modern Beauty Training Suite and the refurbishment of an ageing Lecture Theatre, creating contemporary learning environments that would support students, staff and future curriculum delivery while being fully operational for the start of the new academic year
- Sector
- Education
- Location
- York College
- Size
- Multiple Projects
- Duration
- 6 Weeks Summer Holidays
The Solution
Ben Johnson Interiors developed a carefully planned delivery strategy to complete both higher education fit out projects within the college’s limited summer shutdown period. Working closely with Bowman Riley and the York College Estates Team, the programme was structured to run both schemes concurrently, allowing resources, specialist trades and supply chains to be coordinated efficiently across the campus.
The team’s approach combined detailed pre-construction planning, proactive stakeholder communication and rigorous programme management to ensure the facilities were delivered safely, to a high standard and ready for occupation ahead of the new academic year.
Partners used in the project included
Beauty
Howdens Kitchen & Worktop Kitchen Worktops
Ecophon Ceiling tilesAcoustic ceiling- and wall panel systems
Lecture Theatre
Camira Fabrics Reupholstered seating
Beauty Training Suite
The first phase of the project involved converting a dated office and kitchenette area into a dedicated beauty therapy training facility. Designed to support practical teaching and vocational learning, the refurbishment created a professional environment that mirrors modern commercial beauty and wellness facilities.
Works included the removal of existing finishes, installation of new ceilings and energy-efficient lighting, complete redecoration, new vinyl flooring, bespoke kitchen units and the construction of partition walls to form individual treatment rooms. The completed facility now provides York College students with a practical learning environment that supports skills development and reflects current industry standards. Sneak Peek More photos to follow.
In the meantime you can read what the press said here
Lecture Theatre Refurbishment
The second project focused on the complete refurbishment of a lecture theatre that had remained largely unchanged since the college campus opened in 2007. The objective was to create a modern higher and further education teaching space capable of supporting lectures, presentations, seminars and college events while enhancing both functionality and the student experience.
The refurbishment included the replacement of flooring, installation of a new lighting scheme and comprehensive redecoration throughout. Acoustic wall treatments and decorative timber slat panelling were introduced to improve both aesthetics and performance, while a new lectern and bespoke feature acoustic wall behind the presentation screen created a more contemporary focal point.
Existing seating was carefully removed, reupholstered off-site and reinstated, extending its lifespan while significantly improving its appearance.
key aspect of the project was the enhancement of the auditorium’s acoustic performance. Specialist acoustic panelling and timber feature elements were incorporated into the design to improve speech clarity, reduce reverberation and create a more engaging teaching environment. The finished lecture theatre now provides York College with a modern, flexible learning space aligned with the expectations of today’s further and higher education sector.
Delivering Education Sector Refurbishments During Summer Shutdown
Successfully delivering higher education fit out refurbishment projects within live education environments requires careful planning and programme management. With only a limited summer holiday window available, all construction activities, procurement and installation works needed to be coordinated efficiently to ensure completion before students returned to campus.
To maximise efficiency and minimise disruption, Ben Johnson Interiors coordinated both projects concurrently, splitting resources across the beauty suite and lecture theatre. This approach allowed the programme to be delivered more effectively while reducing overall disruption to the college. Working closely with the Head of Estates at York College, and the design team at Bowman Riley, regular communication was maintained throughout to ensure stakeholders remained fully informed of progress.
Overcoming Programme and Supply Chain Challenges
As with many education refurbishment projects, programme certainty was critical. One challenge arose when changes to the capabilities of a specialist acoustic panel manufacturer required elements of the bespoke installation to be redesigned, resulting in extended lead times.
Through proactive problem solving and transparent communication with York College and Bowman Riley, the project team successfully managed these challenges while maintaining progress on site. Works were also coordinated alongside multiple contractors operating across the campus, requiring careful logistics planning, strict access controls and robust site management procedures.
Quality, Safety and Collaboration
Health and safety remained a key priority throughout the summer works programme. High standards of housekeeping, site management and contractor coordination ensured both projects progressed safely and efficiently within the busy college environment.
Strong collaboration between Ben Johnson Interiors, York College, Bowman Riley and specialist subcontractors was fundamental to the successful delivery of the works. This partnership approach ensured both facilities were completed and ready for occupation ahead of the start of the academic year.
Before & After
York College Theatre Transformation
Successfully delivered within a busy live education environment and a tight summer programme.
The Finished Project
The completed higher education fit out refurbishment projects have provided York College with two high-quality educational environments that will benefit students, staff and visitors for years to come. From the creation of a specialist beauty training facility to the transformation of a modern lecture theatre, the projects demonstrate Ben Johnson Interiors’ expertise as a college interior fit out company in delivering education sector refurbishment, college fit out and learning environment improvement projects within challenging summer programme constraints.
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