Spanning three storeys and 7,000 sq ft, the new block provides a sixth form study centre on the lower ground floor with a new dining hall and kitchen facilities above. The first floor is made up of six classrooms, a seminar room, office space and toilets.
The block was constructed using red brickwork and features grey brick recesses at window locations. To link the new accommodation to the main school building, LST constructed a steel frame corridor as well as an external staircase.
The project was delivered successfully by an LST team comprising Site Manager, Mark Beebe; Senior Quantity Surveyor, Jimmy Marsh; Site Foreman, Ben Darlington; and Contracts Manager, Leon Gardner.
Commenting on the construction, Leon said: “This was a complex build featuring a high specification mechanical and electrical package and impressive architectural features, including large areas of glazing.
“As we were working in a live environment and within a residential area, we implemented a range of measures to minimise disruption and prioritise health and safety. Our in-house experts developed comprehensive traffic management and health and safety plans. This ensured our site team adopted a safe system of working and continuously monitored vehicle movements as well as pupil welfare.”
Headteacher, Dr Dorian Lewis, said: “This new block represents the most significant investment in the school since the late 1960s, and will be enjoyed by our students for many years to come. At last, we are able to offer the modern facilities that our students deserve."
The project was led by the school's business manager, Julie Wheatley and designed by Kendall Kingscott.
Alex James, best known as Blur's bassist and a former student at Bournemouth School, was welcomed back to open the new building.
Much of the funding for the new block was provided by the government through the Selective Schools Expansion Fund.
