News
26 October 2010
A-Levels on course for success as Princess Royal opens IoW College centre
A new, £4.2m further education centre of excellence on the Isle of Wight, designed by multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design practice Pick Everard and officially opened by The Princess Royal earlier this month, puts A-Level study on course for success. The Princess Royal visited the college, meeting staff, students, governors and scheme designers, unveiling a dedicated plaque at this innovative, eco-friendly centre, which opened with the first intake of 150 sixth-form students this autumn.
Kevin Barker, Senior Architect at Pick Everard’s Taunton office said the approval of the Princess, college heads, staff, governors and students themselves was a boost for the team that had worked on the scheme, following a fast build turnaround of just nine months. “There is a really positive response to the building. The college is very pleased that the project was delivered on time and on budget.”
The centre of excellence is part of a long-term development plan, expanding choice for A-Level study on the Isle of Wight, offering 300 additional places. Pick Everard’s architectural design offers inspiration for learning, with an L-shaped, three-storey structure connected to a two-storey pavilion via a glazed entrance atrium. There are dedicated spaces for teaching and socialising, including flexible accommodation for scientific, vocational and mainstream academic courses.
The building is now in line for a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, through energy and water use efficiency, maximum incorporation of natural light and ventilation, self-regulating, ambient temperatures and renewable energy, all in keeping with the Isle of Wight’s aspirations as an ‘eco-island’. Mr Barker added: “The use of lightweight materials and building systems designed for fast construction meant the timetable could be met without compromising overall performance and build quality. Having designed educational and custodial buildings on the Isle of Wight in recent years Pick Everard plays an important role in the redevelopment of the Island’s built environment and we hope this will continue.”
Photography: Isle of Wight County Press
