Project Scope

Comprehensive Needham Tower Refurbishment 

The Department of Education granted £5M in funding to enable the refurbishment of Needham Tower at Ely College. This project aimed to establish a state-of-the-art sixth form centre that will improve the educational experiences for students (16-19) across East Cambridgeshire. The scope entailed delivering a revitalised facility that was environmentally carbon neutral and that achieved zero net carbon targets for energy consumption. 

Key Works Completed 

• External envelope fully re-clad and thermally upgraded 
• Renewal of glazing ensures improved thermal performance and natural light 
• ASHP and rooftop PV installed to support net zero carbon goals  
• Comprehensive interior renewal with modern finishes, layout enhancements, and accessibility features (lift & staircase upgrades) 
• Critical infrastructure replacement – drainage, parking, emergency systems, and asbestos removal

Internal works (ground through to third floors) 

• Full internal finishes: ceilings, floors, walls 
• Woodwork: skirtings, architraves, cill boards, reveals 
• Internal fittings (shelves & storage) 
• Six toilet zones refurbished 
• Decorative finishes 
• M&E  
• Data & security upgrades (incl. intruder & fire alarms) 
• ASHP, underfloor heating (UFH), PV array 
• Doors, screens and associated ironmongery 
• Lift and forming works 
• Internal staircases/handrails/balustrades

External Works: 

• External cladding and insulation upgrade 
• Architectural glazing replacement 
• New roof covering (tapered insulation) 
• Car parking upgrades 
• New surface water/foul drainage 
• External paths 
• Level changes and steps

Additional Works: 

• Temporary works and connections 
• Temporary internal remodelling to form classrooms 
• Relocation of incoming services and upgrades 
• Asbestos removal 

Challenges 

• Structural/Asbestos Issues: Upper floors were underutilised and deemed unsafe, with confirmed asbestos requiring safe removal 
• Phased Occupation: Works required minimal disruption to ongoing college operations; requirement to maintain access to ground and first-floor teaching spaces 
• Heritage Integrity: Balancing modern net-zero retrofit with sensitivity to an existing 4-storey building, and moving hazardous materials while preserving the structure’s integrity 
• Environmental Objectives: Ensuring all technologies aligned with net-zero carbon targets within budget constraints 

Outcome 

• NetZero Ready: Promoting environmental responsibility, the building features a high-performance insulated envelope, ASHP, UFH, and PV array – significantly lowering operational carbon emissions 
• Enhanced Capacity: The revamped building now accommodates up to 400 sixth-form students across four floors, compared to prior capacity of ~300  
• Modern Learning Environment: The unsafe tower was transformed into a fully accessible, net-zero educational centre, with flexible, well-lit classrooms and communal areas now supporting progressive educational use. 
• Community Benefit: The revitalised Needham Tower now serves as a visible symbol of community investment and educational vitality in East Cambridgeshire. 
• Completed to schedule and on budget: M&J ensured the project was completed with minimal disruption to students and staff, delivering temporary classroom remodelling and maintaining access to teaching spaces. The project was handed over as scheduled in early 2025, within the allocated budget.

M&J Group delivered a successful refurbishment of Needham Tower, on time and within budget, bringing a progressive, modern, net zero learning space to Ely College. From hazardous-material remediation to advanced ASHP, UFH and Solar PV integration, the team transformed outdated and unsafe floors into fully furnished, accessible, and energy efficient classrooms and social hub. The result is a sustainable, futureproof sixth form centre that expands the college’s capacity and supports its long-term educational mission.