The scheme, which is partly funded by a grant from the Skills Funding Agency, sees the contractor create a new glazed entrance to the College, enhance and modernise the building’s façade, as well as creating new classroom and seminar areas.
Work is well underway on the construction of the steel frame entrance extension to the College, which will incorporate a mezzanine level, new lift installation and a link walkway into the refectory. The impressive double height entrance will house a modern reception and break out seating area, with extensive glazing to this elevation maximising the volume of natural light entering into the building. The existing College façade will also be improved as part of the project, with ISG Jackson installing contemporary insulated cladding panels, which both enhance the appearance and improve the thermal performance of the building.
Internal areas of the College will be stripped out and remodelled to create two new classrooms and three seminar rooms, as well as new facilities for Admissions and Student Services. By reconfiguring the existing accommodation, ISG Jackson will also deliver a large open plan breakout space and social areas, with a major focus of the project on the comprehensive refurbishment of the College refectory.
Externally, the contractor will build a new access road into the College site and create an additional 100 space car parking area. Adjacent to the entrance, a new urban plaza will be constructed alongside attractive grassed and planted areas. The scheme is the first of ISG Jackson’s College projects to benefit from a new Online Community Engagement Tool (OCET) set up to provide students, staff and the local community with up to date information on the project. Work is scheduled for completion in the summer, ahead of the start of the new academic year.
Stuart Talbot, divisional director for ISG Jackson Special Projects, commented: “The business has built up a real specialism in the successful delivery of fast-track, complex projects that are carried out within busy, live environments. Effective communication and understanding our clients’ unique requirements are essential elements to the success of every project. Recognising the importance of transparency in everything we do, our new OCET system takes the traditional project website one stage further, reflecting the modern demand for information and interactivity.”
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