We have just completed a large project at Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), working alongside LST Projects, the principal contractor, and the estate management team at the Royal Holloway.

The project involved a significant electrical design and technology component converting a seminar room into a new studio space focusing on virtual production and experimental audio research. The electrical design and installation included relocating a virtual production screen, associated camera and computing equipment already owned by RHUL. mel Group also supported the conversion of office spaces into a new gaming hub, production studio, and media arts teaching space.

All of this comes together to create the new CoStar* National Laboratory at the Royal Holloway (* convergent screen technologies and performance in real-time). This is a national initiative, funded by UK Research and Innovation, building a research lab to test applications (applied research) in advanced computing technologies in the creative sector. The lab provides researchers, companies and institutions across the UK with the infrastructure they need to conduct world-class research and development in screen and performance technology. These state-of-the-art facilities all go towards supporting the long-term competitiveness of the UK’s screen and performance sectors. It is wonderful to see the Royal Holloway, one of the country’s leading teaching and research institutions, leading a partnership with two other universities, Pinewood Studios, the National Film and Television School, BT, and Disguise (a super-cool integrated technology business that provides the platform for live shows and virtual productions)

Check out this introduction to the CoSTAR National Lab by Professor James Bennett at the Royal Holloway:

The CoSTAR National Laboratory is a national initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), bringing together researchers, companies and institutions to develop applications for advanced computing technologies across the creative sector.

Royal Holloway is leading a partnership involving universities, Pinewood Studios, the National Film and Television School, BT and Disguise, creating a facility designed to support research and development in screen and performance technology.

As part of the project, existing spaces at Royal Holloway were converted into a new studio environment for virtual production and experimental audio research.

MEL also supported the conversion of office spaces into a new gaming hub, production studio and media arts teaching space.

The project involved relocating existing virtual production equipment, including a virtual production screen, cameras and computing equipment, while creating the electrical infrastructure required to support the new facilities.

MEL was responsible for a significant electrical design and installation package, including:

• Low-voltage (LV) distribution
• General power
• General lighting
• Emergency lighting
• Installation, testing and commissioning
• A new LV switchboard and distribution boards
• New cable containment and wiring
• Electrical installations incorporated within ceiling and wall acoustic materials

MEL also managed the subcontractors appointed to install, test and commission the fire, intruder and disabled toilet alarm systems.

The specialist nature of the facility meant that close coordination between the different contractors and project teams was essential.

As you would expect with a project involving cutting-edge technology, the installation didn’t progress entirely according to the original design.

Design issues arose during the works which needed to be resolved while the project was already underway. Although these issues were not caused by the MEL team, they created additional challenges for the programme and required flexibility from everyone involved.

Our project management team worked closely with LST Projects, the Royal Holloway estates team and the other contractors to coordinate the necessary changes.

Schedules needed to be continually reviewed and revised to accommodate the changes and associated delays, while keeping the overall project moving forward.

Our facilities management experience was particularly valuable here. Rather than simply identifying problems, the MEL team worked collaboratively with the other project stakeholders to find practical solutions, minimise disruption and manage costs.

The ultimate aim was to ensure the finished installation met the high standards expected by both LST Projects and Royal Holloway.

MEL Contracts Manager Dave Searle acted as Senior Project Manager, working alongside LST Projects and supporting the on-site team throughout the project.

His involvement was an important part of maintaining coordination between the different parties and helping to deliver the project on budget.

For MEL, effective project management isn’t simply about managing an installation. It’s about understanding the wider requirements of the client and principal contractor, anticipating potential issues and working collaboratively to resolve them.

This project demonstrated the value of that approach.

One of the highlights for Dave was the installation of a Thorlux SmartScan lighting system.

This was the first time MEL had deployed the Thorlux system, giving the team the opportunity to expand its knowledge and experience of smart, energy-efficient lighting solutions.

The technology helps large organisations manage energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint, making it particularly relevant to organisations looking at the long-term efficiency of their buildings.

The system proved so successful at Royal Holloway that it is now being deployed across the wider site as different areas are refurbished.

This is a great example of how a successful project can lead to opportunities for longer-term collaboration and further improvements across a client’s estate.

Completing a project of this nature within a tight programme required a genuine team effort.

From the electrical installation and commissioning to project management, subcontractor coordination and resolving unforeseen design issues, MEL worked closely with LST Projects and Royal Holloway to keep the project on track.

The result is a state-of-the-art facility providing the infrastructure required for cutting-edge research and development in the UK’s creative industries.

For MEL, it was also an opportunity to demonstrate the value of combining technical expertise with strong project management and a partnership-based approach.

Whether you’re developing a new facility, refurbishing an existing space or managing a complex commercial project, choosing an electrical contractor with the technical expertise and project management experience to work alongside your wider team is essential.

At Maidenhead Electrical Ltd, we provide commercial and industrial electrical services alongside facilities management, working with clients and principal contractors across a wide range of sectors.

If you have a project in mind, get in touch with the MEL team to discuss how we can help.