An expansion project Ingleton Wood is involved in that is aimed at alleviating the increasing demand for school places in the borough is progressing well.
In partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, St Bernard’s High School in Westcliff-on-Sea is undergoing a major redevelopment, which will allow for larger student numbers and provide state-of-the art teaching facilities.
A new three-storey classroom and sixth form block is currently being constructed with the steelwork now beginning to take shape with the project due to be completed in September 2019, in time for the new school term.
The building has been designed by Ingleton Wood and Christopher Mabbutt, Director and Building Surveyor here, said: “It is great to reach this point in the project when you can start to see the fruits of all the design and development works that have been undertaken by the team.
“The school has limited space and accommodating the new build has taken a great deal of effort, both in finding space for the new build and in remodelling existing areas.
“The school has worked tirelessly with us to make sure that this provides for organic growth of the existing school site, rather than just a bolt on. The building is designed to achieve high-energy efficiency and promises to be a really positive project, both for the students and the local area.”
Tony Sharpe, Head Teacher at St Bernard’s High School, commented: “I am delighted to see the new building taking shape. The modern facilities will be a significant influence on the teaching and learning taking place in our classrooms. We look forward to students making maximum progress in an optimal learning environment.”
Once completed the new building will face onto the Milton Road conservation area with the design complimenting the existing school buildings as well as the Milton Road street scene.
Artist’s impression of part of the sixth-form block