GATESHEAD builder Koru Property Services has begun work on its latest university contract in Newcastle, which is expected to create up to 30 jobs in the wider contract supply chain.

The firm has begun work to completely refurbish and remodel laboratory buildings at Northumbria University’s Ellison Building and is the second contract handed to Koru by the institution in less than 12 months.

The bulk of the contract, which is expected to be completed by October, covers 650sq m and will involve a complete transformation of the current space, including the replacement of mechanical, electrical and air handling units, together with the replacement of laboratory furniture and equipment.

The firm, which has a workforce of 40, previously completed refurbishments of two lecture theatres, also in the Ellison building.

The building is located between Ellison Place and Northumberland Road and houses the school of life sciences and the school of the built and natural environment.

Tony Henderson, director at Koru Property Services, said: “We have a wealth of experience for undertaking refurbishment and remodeling work to existing buildings, and this has helped fuel our continuing steady growth.”

The firm, which was launched in 2002 by Tony Henderson, Neil Reed and Mark Taylor, and has a workforce of 40, previously completed the refurbishment of two Northumbria University lecture theatres, also in the Ellison building.