In June 2024, Coventry University took a major step towards its 2030 net zero carbon target by installing nearly 800 photovoltaic (PV) panels across five prominent campus buildings: Sir Frank Whittle, Charles Ward, The Hub, The Cycle Works, and Alma.

Baily Garner was appointed to deliver full design and project management services, supporting the university’s goal of clean energy generation with minimal operational disruption. Our team developed detailed performance specifications and installation drawings for the panels, tailored to suit each building’s unique characteristics and infrastructure.

Working closely with the university’s facilities team, contractor Geo Green Power, and other key stakeholders, we carried out extensive surveys and coordination to ensure seamless integration. This included aligning our designs with the university’s fire alarm, building management, and high-voltage systems—meeting all employer’s requirements while navigating tight government funding deadlines.

The project presented a number of challenges. We had to work within a live university setting, carefully coordinate around active infrastructure, and ensure the works progressed without impacting students or staff. Our approach focused on collaborative design, innovative planning, and maintaining close communication throughout.

Coventry University has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. As part of this mission, the university is removing gas supplies from seven key buildings and connecting them to new district heating mains operated by BRING Energy and Coventry City Council.

This ambitious decarbonisation project involves major infrastructure upgrades and roadworks across Coventry City Centre and must be delivered while keeping all affected buildings fully operational throughout.

Baily Garner was appointed to lead a wide range of activities to support the transition. These include determining connection load requirements, assessing alterations to plantrooms, and planning enabling and strip-out works. We are also responsible for coordinating temporary boiler plant installations, managing the transition process to avoid service disruption, assisting with contract and tender processes, and providing day-to-day site oversight.

Understanding the university’s heating and hot water demands was essential, so we carried out thorough technical evaluations to determine temporary plant needs and available plantroom space. All work is being aligned with Coventry University’s financial profile and specific design requirements, particularly around network temperatures.

The project commenced in June 2024 and is set to complete in Spring 2026, followed by a 12-month defects period. Open communication with the university and its energy partners has been central to ensuring smooth delivery and minimal impact on daily campus operations.

Baily Garner were appointed by Beths Grammar School to prepare a successful bid for Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) support to expand the estate and tackle significant overcrowding.

Our initial assessment benchmarked existing provision against Building Bulletin 103 (DfE), revealing a shortfall of over 800m² of basic teaching space—especially affecting Sixth Form students. At the time, learners were having to use inappropriate areas for study, including the back of classrooms during active lessons. This was seriously impacting the overall teaching and learning environment.

The proposed solution was to replace the existing Learning Resource Centre, which had reached the end of its life, with a new three-storey building.

Baily Garner worked closely with the School to develop the bid, which successfully secured around £3 million in grant funding. We were then appointed as Employers Agent, Cost Consultant and Principal Designer, delivering full project oversight via a JCT Design & Build 2016 contract.

Our role included monthly valuations, progress monitoring, variation reviews and contract administration. Our architects and M&E engineers were novated to the contractor to provide detailed design services and full Stage 4 design development and coordination.

The result is a contemporary, flexible building that meets the needs of modern education.