26 November 2007
Eco-mapping for Northampton College
The award winning architectural practice Pick Everard has been recognised for its expertise in educational building design with a contract to redevelop two of Northampton College’s campuses - a complete re-build of the 21-acre site at Booth Lane and a significant extension to the 0.75-acre site at Lower Mounts in the town centre. The Learning and Skills Council has given 'Approval in Principle' to go ahead with the ambitious £76million project, which it will support by providing a substantial proportion of the necessary funding.
Design work is ongoing and submissions are to be made shortly to the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. The extension at Lower Mounts is scheduled to be finished in 2009. Construction at Booth Lane will be carried out in stages so that the site can remain in use throughout. Phase One will be completed in summer 2010, with Phase Two and the landscaping following shortly after. The entire development should be ready for launch in 2011 - 2012.
Sustainability has been a primary focus in the planning process and the Pick Everard design team is considering a range of green energy technologies, such as a ground source heat pump, bio fuels and solar/thermal heating. In order to minimize the environmental impact of the work on wildlife, an eco-map has also been created, dividing the area into ‘eco-zones’.
Designs for the extension at Lower Mounts are in keeping with the current structure, using up to date materials and technology to produce an ‘uncompromisingly modern building’, which will provide excellent facilities for learners. A five-storey building with a central ‘street’ designed to introduce natural light into the heart of the space, floors will be joined across the street by bridges at all levels. Facilities for Hair & Beauty and Hospitality & Catering learners to carry out on-the-job training include a silver service restaurant and state-of-the-art salons.
The new facilities at the much larger Booth Lane site have been designed to embrace the College’s ethos for 21st century learning, and include room for predicted expansion in student numbers. Following detailed discussions with college staff and comprehensive risk assessments, plans will include restaurants, a computer centre, childcare facilities, workshops for electrical, welding and engineering training and a Learning Resource Centre. There will also be office and classroom spaces, a performing arts centre, science laboratories and extensive facilities for learners with special needs. The existing sports ground is included in the new design while a secure central courtyard, which will be partially excavated to create an open-air amphitheatre and tented stage, is also being considered.
“The junction between each department at Booth Lane will be a double height space with a glass roof to provide the maximum natural light,” said Tom Allen, Pick Everard partner. “The layout of the corridors should also create the opportunity for natural ‘break out spaces’, flooded with natural light from above, designed as flexible spaces that can be used for exhibitions or informal meeting areas,” he added.
Principal Len Closs said: “This is an immensely exciting project, bringing to the Town educational facilities of the highest quality. We are very aware of the significant growth in population projected for the area. As a result, the College will need to be able to deliver a high quality, flexible education and training service to a wider range of employers and a greater number of learners. The transformation at Booth Lane and Lower Mounts will enable us to achieve this.”
The buildings are designed to be adaptable in both layout and function, reflecting the latest thinking in the planning of educational facilities. This will include external landscaping, signage and security measures. The new buildings will not only maintain and improve the service provided to existing users but also encourage new staff and students to join in what will be an exceptional learning experience.
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