The firm is aiming to raise turnover at the interiors division to £125m within three years, tackling a range of projects from design and fit-out of one-off contracts to delivering major brand roll-out programmes for big retail, leisure and hotel companies.

The refurbishment of the University of Brighton’s Cockcroft building involves the refit of the 160,000sq ft multi-use building with modern office and IT facilities.

Each floor of Cockcroft will be completely refurbished while the building remains operational throughout the project, including replacing all windows for better energy performance.

Procured through the IESE framework, Willmott Dixon is working with a design team that includes Fraser Brown MacKenna, Mott MacDonald, Curtins Consulting and Burnley Wilson.

Mike Hart, chief operating officer responsible for Willmott Dixon’s interiors work said: “In the past, our interiors workload was mainly concentrated on commercial work in London.

“Now we’re delivering projects across all sectors, including commercial, health, hotels, leisure, retail and education, including Free Schools, and higher education, using the synergies and networks across Willmott Dixon.”