Thanks to the efforts of the contractors Stepnell, not to mention the hard work of our own Estates team, a long and very complicated job has been completed. What made this job so complex was that the work had to be completed during term time. We received a grant of more than £1million to renovate the first and second floor classrooms and re-clad the exterior of the building.
The project was completed in three phases, to minimise disruption to teaching and learning as much as possible. This meant that only sections of the building would be shut down, enabling lessons to continue in other parts of the building. Social Sciences, Humanities and Earth Studies were relocated first, moving to other parts of the campus for several months. When that section of the building was done, they were able to move back in and phase two started. This saw many Business, Maths and Social Science lessons relocate temporarily. Phase three refurbished the Modern Foreign Language, Maths and Business rooms, as well as two lectures theatres.
The refurbishment has seen some walls being knocked down to turn some small rooms into larger classrooms. New floors, ceilings, windows and doors, not to mention a new coat of paint and new furniture has added up to bright and modern new teaching facilities.
The external cladding is what is most noticeable about the building work, incorporating the College's green and purple corporate colours, as well as some of the College's secondary palette of colours too. It is bright, vibrant and eye-catching and makes the College look modern and welcoming. The new windows that have been fitted also ensure the College is more energy efficient as well.
The College celebrates it's 40th birthday this year and the refurbishments are particularly stark changes when compared to the original look of the College back in 1974. Back then, there was just one building, whereas now the College boasts eight buildings and state-of-the-art facilities.
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