The University of York was founded in 1963 with 200 students. Since then, it has expanded to over 10,000 students and has over 30 academic departments and research centres. Background information about the University is available at: http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/presspr/misc/overview.htm.

The University of York has a highly regarded Chemistry faculty, which is situated on the Heslington West Campus. The department has a range of buildings that have been developed from the original University creation during the 1960s, up to the current day. There is a strategic need to develop new research and teaching accommodation to replace some of the older stock and meet the demands of current standards and best practice.

Phase I (Design and construction of a new 2500 sq m, 4-storey extension) of this scheme is nearing completion and the University is now looking to progress Phase II, which involves the design and construction of a new replacement teaching facility on the site of the demolished block (procured separately to this commission).

The University is appointing a Contractor to design and construct the replacement teaching facility.

Although still to be confirmed, it is envisaged that this contract will be awarded on the basis of the JCT Design & Build Contract (DB 2011 or DB 2005 rev.2 (tbc)).