BAM Construct UK has been selected as the preferred contractor for a £19 million construction contract at Winterbourne International Academy, part of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies, in Bristol. It is the third of three new schems secured by the Western team of BAM Construction in the South West this week. The contractor will build a three-storey, 11,500 sq m facility in the courtyard of the centre of the academy’s existing buildings. It will also extend an existing technology block before decanting the students and demolishing many of the current buildings.
Designed by international practice Scott Brownrigg, the project will provide modernised, more user-friendly facilities for 1,900 students and emphasise the Academy’s international theme. Faculties will be located on single floors rather than split levels, and the building will be easier to navigate for students and teachers. An open, naturally lit ‘international core’ will rise through the centre of the building, helping to link all subjects to the Academy’s ethos.
Two large halls will seat 300 pupils each, and conference facilities will allow international link-ups. A large car park at the front will give better parking and access to the Academy as well as freeing up clear routes for pedestrians. BAM Western's construction director Neil Dorrington said: ‘BAM is extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to transform the learning experience for pupils of Winterbourne International Academy.
‘BAM has worked closely with the Academy in order to understand its aims, and now looks forward to creating a building in which these can be achieved.’
Dr Gibson, Chief Executive Principal of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies, said:
'This is one of the biggest Academy building projects in the country and we are all very excited by the plans for the new building. We are creating a building in which students feel inspired. The new facilities will have an extremely positive impact on teaching and learning and will benefit the whole community.' The project is due to start on site in August 2012 and complete in December 2014.
BAM’s success in securing Winterbourne International Academy adds to an extensive list of Bristol buildings the contractor has delivered, with other recent projects including MShed and student accommodation in King’s Square.
