Client: University of Oxford, Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
Sector: Higher Education | Public Sector | Complex Institutional Relocation
Project Overview
Bishop’s Move, the UK’s leading business relocation and commercial moving company for the education sector, was appointed to support the phased relocation of Humanities academic faculties and operational teams along with 6 Libraries and a world renowned Musical instrument Museum into the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford.
The project formed part of a major campus transformation and required a relocation partner with proven experience in large-scale, high-profile institutional moves, specialist handling, and live operational environments.
The Relocation Challenge
The Schwarzman Centre relocation programme presented a number of challenges typical of complex business and institutional relocations:
Multi-phase business relocation programme
There were 12 Faculties to relocate in 16 separate buildings along with 6 libraries over 6 sites and 1 Museum relocation. The moves were to phased during the summer recess period for students to minimise any down time to the teaching timetable.
Live operational environment
Moves were to be delivered into a new building , were multiple contractors would still be onsite and from buildings which had varying other tenants and were therefore a live environment at the time.
Specialist and high-value assets
The scope included sensitive academic materials, research equipment, IT infrastructure, AV equipment, bespoke furniture and irreplaceable musical instruments and pictures.
Multiple stakeholders
Coordination for this university relocation was required across University Estates, the Universities Move Project Managers CPC, departmental leads, IT teams, and third-party contractors.
Items to Move:
6 libraries from 6 different sites over 4 weeks
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4000 linear metres of books and files to pack and unpack
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571 PC’s to pack, move and unpack
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Adhoc furniture as required
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AV equipment such as over 10 TV’s on stands
12 Faculties over a 4 week period with:
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3800 linear metres of books, music scores, DVD’s and CD
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All to be integrated into one large library
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Library office and files
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50 + Student PC’s to pack, move and unpack
The BATE Muscial Museum
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Over 2,000 individual musical instruments
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Items dating as far back as the 17th Century
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24 Harpsicords/clavicords to wrap, crate, relocate and move
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The Javanese Gamalan Orchestra
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Over 40 oil paintings of 18th century up to 19th century musician
Our Solution
Bishop’s Move delivered a structured, scalable solution aligned to best practice in commercial relocation and business moving services.
Relocation Planning & Project Management
A dedicated Bishop’s Move project team, led by David Taylor Bishop’s Project Manager, developed a detailed relocation plan with the CPC PM’s, covering logistics, risk management, access constraints, and stakeholder coordination. Early engagement ensured clarity of sequencing and reduced programme risk.
Specialist Packing & Asset Protection
Trained relocation specialists packed and protected sensitive and high-value assets using bespoke materials and documented inventory processes to ensure full traceability throughout the move.
Phased Relocation Delivery
Over 6 weeks Bishop’s Move completed 19 phased moves, including out-of-hours working where required. Vehicle movements, crew deployment, and on-site logistics were coordinated to maintain operational continuity.
IT & Technology Relocation Support
Working alongside University IT teams, Bishop’s Move supported the safe relocation of IT hardware and AV equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and continuity of service.
Post-Move Support
At the end of the move phases, Bishop’s Move allocated a team of 6 staff for a week to assist the academics and operational staff settle into their new environment, moving furniture, emptying crates, reorganising books on shelves if required and removing empty crates
Project Outcomes
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Successful delivery of a complex, phased business relocation
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All relocation phases were completed safely and to programme.
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Minimal disruption to core operations
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Teaching, research, and administrative functions continued throughout the relocation period.
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Protection of specialist assets
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Sensitive academic materials and equipment were relocated and installed to specification.
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Responsive and flexible delivery model
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Resources were adapted as requirements evolved on site.
“The Schwarzman Centre relocation was a complex, multi-phase project that clearly demonstrated Bishop’s Move’s capability as a trusted business relocation partner. Through detailed planning and close collaboration with the University’s estates and departmental teams, we delivered each phase safely and on schedule while protecting critical operations. This project reflects our strength in managing high-profile institutional relocations.”
David Taylor
Project Manager, Bishop’s Move Business Relocation
Why Bishop’s Move Was Best Suited For this Museum Relocation Project
The management of this project reinforces Bishop’s Move’s position as a leading alternative to commercial relocation providers, offering:
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Deep expertise in UK business and institutional relocations
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Proven delivery within live, complex environments
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Specialist handling of IT, research, and high-value assets
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Flexible, client-focused project management
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Long-standing experience in education and public sector relocation
The Schwarzman Centre project demonstrates Bishop’s Move’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale business relocations for prestigious institutions. By combining detailed planning, specialist handling, and operational flexibility, Bishop’s Move supported the successful transition into one of Oxford’s most significant new academic facilities – reinforcing its reputation as a trusted commercial relocation partner.
Planning a similar complex relocation?
If you’re planning a university, museum or large-scale business relocation, our specialist teams can support you from planning through to delivery.
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