Enhancing a Prestigious Campus: Grounds Excellence

Client: Peking University

Department: Grounds and Open Spaces

Summary

In October 2024, ODS Grounds began a six-month trial to provide grounds maintenance services for the Hong Kong Business School at Peking University, a prestigious campus backed by HSBC Bank. The university, which houses around 80 students in on-site accommodation and serves as a venue for weddings and events, required a structured programme to enhance presentation, safety, and usability across the site. Following the successful trial, completed in March 2025, the client was impressed with the quality and flexibility of our work and signed a three-year contract.

Requirements

The client required a comprehensive, year-round grounds maintenance programme that addressed safety, aesthetic, and functional needs. This included grass cutting, hedge trimming, lake upkeep, and detailed tree management for the 1,200 trees on site, supported by surveys and action plans. The grounds also needed to be kept in pristine condition to meet the expectations of event guests and to preserve the Grade II listed building’s setting. Flexibility in service delivery was essential to align with the university’s operational schedule and time zone differences.

Challenges

• Delivering a large-scale programme to raise the presentation and functionality of a high-profile, multi-use campus

• Addressing priority safety considerations, including pathway clearance, tree root management, and tree works across 1,200 specimens

• Coordinating effectively with a client in a different time zone while tailoring seasonal service hours to their operational needs

Solutions

We deployed a dedicated operations team on site 48 hours per week during the seven-month summer period, scaling back to 32 hours per week in the five-month winter period while ensuring core services continued. Working closely with our subcontractor, Tactical FM, we carried out a full programme of grounds services, including pathway clearance, hedge trimming, grass cutting, and lake area maintenance. Detailed tree surveys were conducted, and an actionable management plan was developed to address both safety priorities and the long-term health of the trees. Regular supervisor visits ensured service quality and gave the client confidence in our delivery. We adapted working patterns to align with the client’s time zone, ensuring responsive communication and decision-making.

Results

By the end of the six-month trial, the site presented a consistent, high-quality appearance while meeting key safety requirements. Pathways were fully accessible, tree-related hazards were mitigated, and the grounds supported both day-to-day student use and premium event experiences. The improvements reinforced the prestige of the location and supported its role as both an academic and event venue.

Outcome

The successful trial demonstrated ODS Grounds’ capability to manage complex, multi-use sites to a consistently high standard while adapting to the client’s operational needs and communication preferences. Impressed by our performance, the Hong Kong Business School signed a three-year contract, ensuring ongoing professional care for this prestigious and historically significant campus.