Relocation and Storage Services for the University of Surrey by Bishop's Move

The University of Surrey, located in the county town of Guildford, Surrey, is renowned for its dedication to delivering high-quality education and research. With a student population of over 16,000 and a substantial library collection consisting of books, articles, scores, TV/film, research publications, theses and dissertations, special collections, and unique archive materials, the university required a reliable partner for its relocation needs.

Project Scope

Bishop’s Move was awarded the contract in 2016 to manage the relocation and storage of the University of Surrey's Library collection as part of a complete refurbishment of their existing building. This ongoing partnership has involved over 70 projects and 400+ moves to date, with further work scheduled for 2024. The project included relocating, storing, and returning the library collection, as well as providing on-going storage and relocation services.

Client's Requirements

The University of Surrey required a comprehensive set of services to support the refurbishment of their library building:

Relocate all library and archive materials
Store and return the collection post-refurbishment
Ensure minimal disruption to university operations
Provide the following services:
- Project Management / Move Management
- IT Decommission / Recommission Services
- Furniture Dismantling & Reassembly
- Churn & Porterage Support
- Building Clearances
- Library & Archive Relocations
- Laboratory and Heavy Lifting Relocations
- Office Relocation
- Crate Hire
- Off-site Managed Storage
- On-site Storage (20ft / 40ft Containers)

Detailed Project Execution

The Move

The relocation project involved moving the library collection within the University of Surrey's Stag Hill Campus to internal and external storage facilities. This multi-stage project spanned over two years to ensure minimal disruption to staff and students and to maintain operational continuity.

Locations Involved

Moved From:

University of Surrey, Stag Hill Campus

Moved To:

Internal and External Storage Facilities

Phases and Timeline

The project was executed in multiple phases over two years, with key concerns including ensuring zero disruption to staff and students and no delays in the re-installation of materials. This careful planning allowed for seamless transitions and maintained the university’s operational schedule.

Key Achievements

Zero Disruption: Managed to complete over 400 moves with minimal disruption to university operations.
Efficient IT Handling: The IT decommission and recommission services were executed with precision, ensuring all systems were fully operational post-move.
Furniture and Office Relocation: Furniture dismantling, storage, and reassembly were performed by skilled professionals, ensuring all items were handled with care.
Specialised Handling: The relocation of library and archive materials, as well as laboratory equipment, was conducted by experts, ensuring the safe transport of these sensitive items.
Storage Solutions: Both on-site and off-site storage solutions were effectively utilised to meet the university's needs.

To Conclude

Bishop’s Move demonstrated expertise and efficiency in managing the complex relocation needs of the University of Surrey. Through meticulous planning, effective project management, and a commitment to minimising disruption, Bishop’s Move successfully executed a multi-phase relocation project. This ensured a smooth transition for the university, allowing uninterrupted academic activities and a seamless re-installation of materials post-refurbishment.

Interested in Our Services?

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to handle your business relocation, look no further. Bishop’s Move offers comprehensive relocation services tailored to meet your specific needs.

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