University of Gloucestershire City Campus | Denton-Powell Steelwork & Staircase Installation

About The University of Gloucestershire City Hub Redevelopment

The Hub is a major education-led regeneration project, transforming the former Debenhams building into a modern university hub in the heart of Gloucester. The development creates a sustainable space for teaching, learning, and community services while contributing to the revitalisation of the city’s high street.

The Brief

To retrofit and repurpose the iconic Art Deco Debenhams building into a contemporary university facility while respecting its historic character and enhancing its role within the city centre. Denton-Powell Ltd was appointed to deliver specialist structural steelwork, bespoke staircase installations, and architectural metalwork solutions that supported the transformation of the building into a modern community-focused education hub.

Denton-Powell’s Role in the Project

Above the entrance, a large, framed window creates a striking visual connection between the interior and the public realm, enhancing transparency and openness while showcasing the activity within the building. The feature plays a key role in redefining the building’s identity, opening up previously obscured windows and strengthening its presence within the cityscape. Denton-Powell Ltd delivered and installed the structural steel framework that forms this distinctive “picture frame” structure, helping bring the architectural vision to life.

Denton Powell Ltd delivered a striking bespoke staircase installation that combines structural performance with modern architectural design.

The impressive installation features eight flights of stairs with four rises and four intermediate half landings, all supported by a robust structural steel subframe. Manufactured in 16 double-width sections, the staircase was designed to provide both durability and visual impact within the transformed learning space.

The balustrade featured a vertical bar design complete with a bespoke flat-top rail and handrail, finished with concealed fixings to create a clean, seamless appearance. The staircase also incorporates powder-coated internal balustrades and external wall-mounted handrails, alongside pan treads with concrete screed infills and a vinyl finish to enhance safety, longevity and slip resistance.

The completed installation reflects Denton Powell’s commitment to precision engineering, quality craftsmanship and delivering contemporary solutions for major educational developments.

Denton-Powell Ltd designed, manufactured, and installed a bespoke cantilevered steel subframe system to support 25mm laminated glass panels, creating the striking central atrium light wells feature. Spanning over 150 linear metres, the installation delivers both structural performance and a contemporary architectural focal point within the development.

Award Recognition: 

CE West Midlands Building Project of the Year 2026 – Winner 

CE West Midlands Retrofit Award 2026 – Winner

The University of Gloucestershire City Campus redevelopment has been recognised as a Constructing Excellence West Midlands Building Project of the Year Award Winner and Retrofit Award Winner, highlighting its significance as a standout project in the region’s construction and regeneration sector. The awards acknowledge excellence across design, delivery, collaboration, and community impact.

Denton-Powell Ltd is honoured to have contributed to such a prestigious and transformative development alongside a number of leading construction and design companies involved in the redevelopment. We are extremely proud of the quality and craftsmanship delivered throughout the project, and pleased to see our work form part of an award-winning scheme that will have a lasting positive impact on Gloucester and the wider community.