The design provides a Primary School for 420 pupils allied to a double Nursery provision and the inclusion of a new Children’s Centre.

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Aspects of Site

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The site holds an operating Primary School built in 1964 and a Children’s Centre.  A housing complex is proposed for two ends of the existing site, restricting available space.  The design allows for construction of a new 3-storey Primary School while the existing building remains operational.  On completion, the existing school will be demolished and that space will become formal/informal play area.

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Design configuration

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The principal Public entrance is located on Moreland Street with access via a ramp to the slightly raised Level 2 (ground floor) with a secure waiting area. Pupils are able to enter the site via two locations. Pedestrian access is available between the west end of the new building and the side of the adjoining UNITE HQ by an easy ramp.  Alternatively, parents and pupils can enter through the lower end of the Children’s Centre along Gard Street to the east.    

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The design places the youngest children at natural ground level, the ‘common facilities’ on the middle ’street’ level and the older children on the top floor. The School Hall and Activity Hall are on Level 2, (street level) providing easy access for the public. This position locates the kitchen so that deliveries can be made without vehicles entering the site. Dining takes place in the Hall. Also on this ‘middle’ floor are specialist facilities, i.e. the Library/LRC, staff areas, administration and MI room.

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All Children’s Centre rooms, all Nursery rooms, all Reception Classes, and all Infants rooms have direct access to outside areas at site level (Level 1)  The Moreland Street elevation could suffer noise intrusion. The Administration offices, WCs, storage and group rooms (with fixed windows) are on this side of the building. All classrooms have good levels of natural light with views of the landscaped site and excellent natural ventilation via vent extract stacks.

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This completed Stage D design achieves BREEAM ‘Outstanding’.