The Russell Partnership:  case studies:  Universities:  Loughborough University:

Loughborough University

Loughborough University has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, strong links with industry, and unrivalled sporting achievement.

In 2005 full-time students voted Loughborough one of their favourite universities in the new National Student Survey, and recently published league tables place Loughborough among the top 20 universities in the UK.

Loughborough is research-intensive. Their ethos from the earliest days has been to produce highly relevant research that solves real world problems to assist both business and industry, and improve people's quality of life. Nearly half of the University's income is for research, and their research partnerships and links with business and industry are the envy of other institutions.

The Partnership have been working with Loughborough for over five years and have recently undertaken a commission to facilitate the creation of a Central Production Kitchen identified as a key development requirement by the Partnership during the initial catering strategy review.

The key project aims were a stage by stage, structured development plan monitored and managed by the Partnership and the Loughborough team. Key areas included a review of current operating systems, working methods, ordering processes and storage requirements.

A Central Production Unit Space Modelling exercise was undertaken in order to ascertain the optimum space required for future food production. Computer Aided Design drawings and block planning followed. Detailed kitchen designs, preliminary service schedules and detailed kitchen equipment budget costing documents were then developed. Finally, tender documentation, evaluation was undertaken. The Partnership were retained to drive and support the design implementation.