Thomas Sinden has completed the expansion of two primary schools for the London Borough of Hillingdon, as part of the local authority’s £150m primary school expansion programme.
Thomas Sinden was appointed to design and build a new 2,122m2 building to accommodate 12 new classrooms, hall, kitchen, group spaces, staff/administration space, storage, toilets and cloak areas at Hillside Infant, Nursery and Junior School in Northwood.
The £8m project included adaptations to existing buildings, remodelling of existing entrance, provision of a new MUGA, reorientation of the sports pitch, hard and soft landscaping and drainage improvements with redundant buildings demolished.
The staff car park was also redesigned together with a new ‘drop off’ facility via a second access point with an ‘in’ and ‘out’ route to reduce congestion. With the challenge of the site on a hill, the building was built on split-levels and a large retaining wall was built around the MUGA. A purpose built ramp was installed up the hillside for disabled access and the partially sighted. Energy efficiency and sustainability was extremely important with automated lighting control throughout, passive ventilation strategy and extensive photovoltaic system to provide energy savings.
Thomas Sinden was also appointed to deliver the expansion of Warrender Primary School in Ruislip to create a 2FE junior and infant school for 440 pupils, The £5.5m contract involved the design and build of a new stand-alone main teaching block of approximately 1,300m2 to accommodate eight new classrooms, ICT suite/library, DT room, group space, staff and administration space, associated storage and toilet and cloak areas.
The existing teaching spaces were also remodelled to create usable classrooms and toilet facilities together with a new kitchen and servery. Energy efficiency was key with automated lighting control throughout, passive ventilation strategy and photovoltaic systems providing energy savings.
Graeme Sinden, Director of Thomas Sinden commented: “With a third of our business in the education sector, over the past 18 months, we have delivered 14,023 sqm of new or improved educational space and increased the capacity for six schools.
“Our experience spans schemes from classroom refurbishments through to the complete design and build of new schools and colleges. Emphasis is placed on the provision of a service that works to tight budget constraints and represents value for money as well as meeting the strict timetable of the academic year without compromising on quality.
“Education projects require that construction works are carried out whilst a site is occupied, and we work closely with the Headteacher and staff to ensure minimum disruption is made to student learning and there is careful segregation and coordination to ensure students are kept safe at all times.”
Header image shows at Hillside Infant, Nursery and Junior School in Northwood constructed by Thomas Sinden.
