Major expansion at Harrogate Grammar School Completes
We designed a major expansion at Harrogate Grammar School to increase space following growing demand for places.
The school exceeded its planned student admission number of 260 to 285 over five consecutive years and additional classroom space was needed to accommodate the increased numbers.
We designed the new £1.75 million new building to connect the 1930s school building to a 1960s design block, with three classrooms on the first floor and a large atrium below, which forms the new student entrance.
Founded in 1903 and part of the Red Kite Learning Trust, Harrogate Grammar School has more than 2,000 students aged 11 to 19, including more than 600 in the Sixth Form. The project means the school can increase the number of places available to local families to 290 annually.
Headteacher Neil Renton said:
“The way the new build connects different sections of the school, eases congestion, creates a really exciting student entrance and also provides three state-of-the-art classrooms is truly remarkable. We are indebted to the professionalism of not only the architects’ Bowman Riley, and Sewell Construction, but also the funding we received from the Red Kite Learning Trust and North Yorkshire County Council.
From the very start, we were impressed with the entire team. This was a complex build at the very heart of the school that resulted in significant changes to the movement of over 2,000 students around the school site. I am really proud of what has been achieved for our school. The way in which all the teams involved have come together has been a masterclass in collaboration, expert knowledge and providing the very best for children.”
Working with Sewel Construction and Faithful+Gould, we supported the delivery of the project between January last year and October despite the challenges brought on by the lockdown period as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Richard Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Red Kite Learning Trust, said:
“It is wonderful to see this fantastic new building open and being used by our young people and staff. We wouldn’t have this building if it was not for the financial support of North Yorkshire County Council, who provided the largest part of the funding in order to improve the provision of school places in the locality. Our Trust also contributed significantly as we recognised the priority to provide appropriate teaching space and a safe environment for children.
Logistically, the site was quite challenging and it was a complex construction project, as we worked in the courtyard in the centre of the school and removed a two metre-wide link corridor, which helped to improve the flow around the building. Ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum and creating segregated walkways for students and staff was of paramount importance. We’re delighted to have been part of this project, it has been a great team effort from all organisations involved.”
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