Case Studies
Refurbishment of New City College Tower Hamlets Campus
Project Brief
CLIENT
New City College
TYPE
Turnkey Refurbishment
SCHOOL
College
Gender: Mixed
Age Range: 16+
Transforming Science Facilities for East London’s Largest College
New City College is the largest further education provider in East London, formed through a series of mergers beginning in 2016 with Hackney Community College and Tower Hamlets College, followed by Redbridge College, Epping Forest College, and Havering Sixth Form College. With campuses across multiple locations, New City College serves diverse communities, offering a wide range of courses. The Tower Hamlets campus, located in Poplar, is particularly renowned for its strong track record in supporting students towards university progression.
The Project Brief
InterFocus was commissioned to deliver a turnkey refurbishment solution for the Science classrooms at the Tower Hamlets campus. The client’s vision was to create a modern, bright, and functional learning environment that would enhance the student experience and support teaching excellence in STEM subjects.
Design and Delivery
Collaborating closely with the client team, we developed a rounded laboratory design that maximised usable workspace while introducing a contemporary, dynamic feel. The project was delivered in two phases:
North Annex
South Annex
Each phase included:
New classroom laboratories
Refurbished kitchen areas
Upgraded preparation room facilities
In addition, the scope included a full heating system overhaul, with the installation of new boilers and a modern boiler room. Externally, the canopy and walkway areas were fully refurbished to enhance accessibility and the overall aesthetic.
Despite the challenges of working within a busy urban environment—particularly around site access and deliveries—the project was successfully completed within a 9-week timeframe.
Key Deliverables
Complete strip-out and isolation of existing services
Removal of internal walls to reconfigure layouts
Floor chasing for new mechanical and electrical services
Installation of a new heating system, including boilers and boiler room
New partition walls and doors
Installation of a new extraction system for fume cupboards
Refurbishment of canopy and walkway areas in the South Annex
Groundworks for new external drainage connections
Full internal and external redecoration
Design, manufacture, and installation of bespoke laboratory furniture in bold, modern colours (lime, red, and blue), with unique curved panels powder-coated to match the anthracite finish
Maximised storage solutions for preparation rooms
Commissioning of fume cupboards and final project handover
Outcome
The result is a vibrant, cutting-edge science facility that reflects New City College’s commitment to providing outstanding learning environments. The new laboratories are not only functional but also inspire creativity and engagement—supporting the college’s mission to help students achieve their academic goals and progress to higher education.
Ready to transform your learning spaces?
Contact InterFocus today to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can create an inspiring and functional environment for your school, college, or university.
