An exciting transformation of science provision is underway at Loughborough Grammar School.
The Loughborough Endowed Schools (LES) are among the region’s most respected academic institutions and have played a central role in the education of the East Midlands for over 500 years.
Over the last 30 years, the Governors have followed a continuous programme of capital investment in site facilities across the three schools. Steady growth in recruitment and prudent financial management has enabled the LES Foundation to invest in developments that have enhanced core teaching subjects, humanities, sports, music and the arts.
In 2008, Loughborough Endowed Schools embarked on one of the largest building projects in its history: a complete overhaul of the Science buildings in both senior schools. Providing the most up-to-date teaching and learning environment for science, the new and enhanced facilities will enable the schools to uphold their formidable reputation for high levels of attainment and a passion for the sciences.
Phase One of the project was the construction of a new Chemistry Building at the Grammar school, and comprised six new laboratories and support areas on the west side of ‘The Walks’. The £3.2m phase began in August 2008 and was completed in autumn 2009.
The second phase for LES began in the summer of 2009 and extended and refurbished the High School’s existing science block. Opened in 1964 and extended in 1981, the building housed all three sciences and was originally designed to cater for a maximum of 150 students. However, the development could no longer accommodate the number of girls who now take science at GCSE and A Level – over 70% of girls now take a science subject at A Level – and therefore it needed to be extended. As a result, three new laboratories were created on each floor, along with adjacent areas and offices.
Phases Three, Four and Five of the project will transform the Biology, Physics and Mathematics buildings. The existing Biology Building has doubled in size, whilst the Mathematics Building will be completely refurbished.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the transformation of the existing Physics Building.
The £1.6m phase began in August 2011 and will see main contractor Hallam (Contracts) Ltd completely refurbish the building; indeed the only remaining items will be the roof, first floor and portal frame. External works will include drain connections and a limited amount of paving work.
Architects Stephen George and Partners have designed the refurbishment scheme, whilst the mechanical and electrical consultant is Pick Everard of Leicester and the structural sonsultant is Diamond Wood.
With a scheduled completion date of July 2012, the project remains on programme and dry lining, mechanical and electrical works are currently in progress.
Ian Keogh, Contracts Manager, said: “Whilst there were no particular restrictions or special considerations that had to be taken into account, it is important to note that this is a live environment with school children and teachers. However, the construction work has not created any problems due to forward planning with the school.”
Hallam (Contracts)
Founded in 1922 by John Henry Hallam, the company is one of the oldest established construction companies in the East Midlands.
Still family owned and controlled, Hallam (Contracts) is based in Oadby, near Leicester and undertakes projects across the Midlands – ranging from £100K to £25m.
The Hallam motto is ‘together we build’. With a non-adversarial attitude, the company strives for 100% client satisfaction and offers a first-class ability to deliver value for money to their clients with experience gained through extensive value engineering and their accredited supply chain.
For more information on Hallam (Contracts), visit www.hallamgroup.com
