Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Refurbishment




Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College three-storey extension.
We were delighted to be awarded a contract with Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College to deliver a three-storey extension and internal fit-out.
A building for the future
Originally founded in 1970, Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College was the first purpose-built sixth form college in the UK. Today, the college specialises in educating years 12 and 13, where students can gain AS, A2 and BTEC qualifications.
The scope of the project
We constructed a new extension to the college, extending the building to the east and standing three storeys in height.
Alongside the building works, we also delivered a complete internal fit-out. 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.
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 activities.
Our access strategy needed to be adapted and amended due to pre-start changes in third party access agreements.
The client worked with 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 operate effectively throughout the construction period. Team flexibility and frequent communication with the client were key to overcoming challenges on this project.
Value added
The learning environment has provided extra teaching capacity and more flexibility for the college.
Through these works, we achieved a light, modern and spacious learning environment to enable the college to expand their curriculum, entice students to choose their college, and enable the transition out of the facilities that were on loan from Staffordshire University next door.
“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 deliver that.”