Sixth Form College – 3 Storey Extension Construction

Novus Property Solutions was awarded a contract with a reputable sixth form college based in Staffordshire to construct a three-storey extension, complete with full internal fit-out.

About The Sixth Form College

Originally founded in 1970, today, the college has approximately 1800 students enrolled and specialises in the education of educating years 12 and 13, where students can gain AS, A2 and BTEC qualifications.

More than 95% of those students are aged between 16 and 19 and the large majority come from the local area.

This was the first time that Novus had worked with the 6th form college, but we are hopeful that completion of this project will lead to further projects down the line.

What Did Novus Do?

Novus constructed a new extension to the college building, extending the current building to the east and standing three storeys in height.

Alongside the building works, Novus also delivered a complete internal fit-out to the structure.

The creation of this 7,524 square foot space included new teaching facilities and workshops, as well as a large performance room and IT laboratories.

How Has the Client Benefited from the Project?

The learning environment will provide extra teaching capacity and more flexibility for the college, as only dedicated Sixth Form provider and largest provider of A Level Academic courses in the city.

Through these works, the college has achieved light, modern and spacious learning environment.

This will allow the client to expand their curriculum, entice students to choose their college, and enable the transition of facilities that were on loan from the University next door.

The Deputy Principal at the Sixth Form College said:

“It’s vital that sixth form colleges provide young people with the very best facilities to nurture their talent before they head into the world of work or university. This project will ensure we provide that.”

What Challenges Were Faced?

The new development was constructed within an existing operational campus building used by College staff, pupils and visitors.

Therefore as a live environment, the development needed to be delivered with due regard to the safety of all Campus users and the smooth, uninterrupted operation of the College’s business.

Access strategy needed to be adapted and amended due to pre-start changes in 3rd party access agreements. The client worked with Novus and allowed us to relocate on-site archive storage containers, street furniture, and the temporary removal of cast in-situ raised planting beds.

Building foundations also needed to be redesigned and subsequent working practices reconfigured due to the unearthing of a critical multi cored fibre optic cable running through the footprint of the extension.

Active interfaces and screening between our construction site and the live college environment were collaboratively worked through to ensure both parties could continue to work effectively throughout the construction period.

Team flexibility and frequent communication with the client were key to overcoming challenges on this project.