This £1.8m refurbishment and extension project involved the design and construction of a single-storey, roof-top extension providing new teaching spaces, kitchen and refectory areas within a live college environment. The extension works included major structural alterations to the upper floors, construction of a steel-framed extension, lengthening of the lift shaft and new internal staircases.
Seddon successfully completed extensive alterations and complex extension works to the operational Bolton 6th Form College. Works included internal alterations, relocation of rooftop mechanical and electrical installations and decanting existing fixtures and fittings to allow an additional floor to provide further communal and teaching space.
Our in-house Seddon Building Services team provided extensive alteration and relocation of rooftop mechanical and electrical installations (M&E) to support the additional teaching spaces and ensure state-of-the-art ICT connections were in place to allow for the continuity of contemporary teaching methods of the college.
The design developed by IBI Taylor Young, was complementary to the existing architecture of the building. Due to the complex nature of the scheme Building Information Modelling (BIM) was incorporated which aided in the early identification and mitigation of risks.
The technique also enabled Seddon to adopt a soft landings approach during pre-construction in order for the college to make adjustments to the design early, ensuring the M&E installation was perfectly aligned for all future fixtures, fittings and equipment (FF&E).
There were many challenges to the project, including working within an operational college facility and within a busy town centre location. This resulted in careful co-ordination of works and deliveries, ensuring minimal disruption to the college, students, staff and the surrounding business’ and road networks. The main disruptive and major structural works were undertaken during the summer holiday period, ensuring safe working and minimal disruption to college operations.
The building successfully transformed into an effective five-storey college facility six weeks ahead of programme and achieved a high customer satisfaction score of 98%.
