Work is complete on two major refurbishment projects at York College, creating a new beauty training centre and transforming one of its main lecture theatres ahead of the new academic year.

York-headquartered interiors specialist Ben Johnson Interiors delivered both projects, working alongside Yorkshire-based architecture practice Bowman Riley.

The first project involved refurbishing and converting a redundant office space into a dedicated beauty facility, providing a professional training environment for students and staff.

The work included replacing all floor coverings and ceilings, installing new partition walls and kitchen units and fully redecorating the area. A full range of specialist beauty equipment and associated furnishings was also fitted, with the project completed within a demanding three-week timescale.

The second project saw the first-floor lecture theatre, which had not been refurbished since the College's main campus opened in 2007, transformed into a space capable of supporting modern teaching, presentations, seminars and college events.

The five-week refurbishment included removing and reupholstering 90 seats, installing a new lighting system throughout and fitting new acoustic wall panelling.

The theatre has also been given new flooring, a sleek black ceiling, a brand-new lectern and a range of contemporary specialist furniture, creating a flexible and engaging environment for students, staff and visitors.

York College Principal & Chief Executive Ken Merry, said: “Our hair, beauty and make-up courses are hugely popular and this development now gives us one of the best teaching facilities in the region, so it will make a massive difference to our students and staff.

“Modern lecture theatres are integral to the success of both our students and York College as a whole. This work has given us a best-in-class facility and there’s no doubt it’s going to be a valuable asset for the hundreds of people who will use it every day.”

Emma Dodsley, from Ben Johnson Interiors, said: “We have a wealth of experience in the education sector, so it’s been a genuine privilege to support York College on these two projects in our home city.

“They also demonstrate our ability to work in live environments, while managing the programme challenges that inevitably arise on projects of this nature, without compromising on quality.

“Both completed spaces now offer inspiring and visually appealing learning environments that will support and enhance the high standard of teaching and training that York College is renowned for.”

Antony Wright, from Bowman Riley, added: “These projects were completed within very tight timeframes, with multiple contractors working simultaneously across various locations, which required careful planning and coordination.

“After working on several other successful projects with York College in recent years, as well as numerous other schools and colleges, we’ve become adept at meeting the education sector’s tight summer deadlines.

“Both projects have completely refreshed and transformed two tired spaces and will provide York College with improved facilities for many years to come, so we’re very pleased to have played a leading role in their delivery.”