News
Pick Everard to lead Leicester Grammar relocation 12 February 2007
Contracts have been signed this week for the relocation of Leicester Grammar School from the city centre to its new home at Mount Farm, Great Glen, and innovative architectural and engineering practice Pick Everard has been appointed lead designer for the project.
Land Securities Trillium, the UK’s leading property partnership specialist, (part of the Land Securities Group) will provide the funding for the purchase of land and construction of the new school totalling £30m. The new property will be owned by Land Securities Trillium and leased to the school over a 35-year period.
Pick Everard has teamed up with national building contractor Norwest Holst (part of VINCI plc) and working closely together, the two companies have developed proposals to meet the school’s vision for the future.
Pick Everard is a multidisciplinary firm that has a proven track record in the design and construction of educational buildings in the UK. They lead teams on the award winning Stephenson College project, and are currently working on Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College, the Madani Academy, six new schools in Derby, Brooksby Melton College and similar buildings in the FE and university sectors in Harlow and Warwick.
When working on educational projects, Pick Everard’s objectives are to create buildings that inspire their users and blend innovative design and practicality. The buildings are sustainable, affordable, energy efficient, ergonomic and future-proof constructions that take into account the safety and comfort of pupils as well as the supervisory issues of education in the 21st century.
Duncan Green, partner at Pick Everard said:” We are delighted that the plans we developed with Norwest Holst have come to fruition and that they satisfy both the planning needs and the educational requirements of the school. . It has been a challenging process but we are excited to be making a start on the school’s new facilities.”
The new Leicester Grammar School site will comprise both the main school - currently located next to the cathedral in Leicester city centre - and the junior school - which is sited in Evington - in one purpose built facility in Great Glen that will accommodate up to 1,250 pupils. The new facility will incorporate first class academic and sporting facilities at one site. Construction will start on site at the beginning of February 2007 and will be ready for occupation by the school in Autumn 2008. Once vacated, Land Securities will work with Leicester Grammar School to maximise the value of its existing sites.
“The relocation of Leicester Grammar School secures its future and will provide the environment where the existing first class teaching can further prosper in the most modern and sustainable school environment in the country,” said Christopher King, Headmaster and Chief Executive of Leicester Grammar School Trust. “Our partnership with Land Securities Trillium offers the prospect of long term financing of the school’s development to the benefit of existing and future staff and pupils.” he added.
Ian Ellis, Chief Executive of Land Securities Trillium, commented, “Land Securities Trillium is delighted to be helping to provide Leicester Grammar School with an environment which reflects its academic achievements and aspirations. We are always looking to become involved in more socially responsible projects where we can use our skills and financial strength to benefit the community”.
Pick Everard has worked successfully with Land Securities Trillium, on various projects for the DVLA and on the development of the BBC Leicester building, home of BBC Radio Leicester and HQ of the BBC Asian Network, which opened in 2004.
