Thomas Telford UTC, Wolverhampton
The existing Thomas Telford University Technical College (UTC) has undergone mixed development, which includes refurbishment to the existing school and a new three storey building extension on the former Springfield Brewery site.
Key Stats
- Construction on previous Springfield Brewery site
- New build sports hall and teaching block
- Procured through the DfE framework
- Customer satisfaction 9/10
- 75% local spend
- GIFA 4090
At a Glance
Budget
£12.6 million
Completion
August 2022
Location
Wolverhampton
Framework
Department for Education (DfE)
Sector
Education, Secondary
Introduction
The new extension has been carefully designed to reflect the environment with bronze-red metal cladding and an architecturally challenging sawtooth roof design. The 4,500sq ft extension will now accommodate an additional 450 school places for students and will support a minimum of 50 additional roles for teaching and support staff.
The increased space and capacity of students also allows a full secondary academic syllabus for students aged 11-18 to be taught at the college.
Sensitive Design
The former Springfield Brewery, which has stopped all brewery activities since the early 1990s, bares major historic importance for Wolverhampton. As such, through an extensive design and consultation process the new extension needed to be attractive yet maintain the historical and industrial personality whilst also having a relationship with the UTC. The lower level of the extended building has a blend of facing brickwork, similar to the existing school. The upper levels of the building include a red-bronze metal clad which contrasts with the brick foundation. The brick design ensures the industrial design is maintained whilst also blending in with the existing school and the surrounding buildings.
Navigating ground and logistics challenges
The Thomas Telford school sits in a previously war active area and due to the area also being industrial, low levels of cyanide were found in the ground during the early groundworks. The team engaged with specialist consultants to not only ensure the right advice was given to overcome this but to ensure this could be removed without impacting the programme.
The location of the site also proved challenging as the new school was being built approximately three metres away from a listed structure. This meant careful planning and sequencing during the pre-construction stage was key to ensure machinery was able to get into the tight spaces.
Alternative Paint Protection
The team changed their fire protection strategy on the project by excluding the use of intumescent paint protection on the steelwork and introducing a Siniat boarding product; a boarding product that is weather resistant and therefore not reliant on both the weather and environment. The use of this product meant that the team could start encasing the steel beams before any weather complications. This is a more robust solution than the intumescent paint which meant it could be installed quickly. It also meant the team did not have to do the plaster board work as this achieved the same results with less risk.
Social Impact
Part of our ongoing commitment on every project is to deliver social value which will have a positive impact on the communities we construct in. The result of this project ensured eight new job starts for unemployed people from the area and achieved a 75% spend through local subcontractors.
The Vice Principal of Thomas Telford UTC also worked closely with the DfE’s Construction Education Advisory Board, to develop the brand-new T-level qualifications for students studying Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction. The construction of this project has enabled two T level students the opportunity to learn and develop their experience within the Construction industry.
Andre Duncan, a student from the University of Wolverhampton worked on the project as a work experience student and was offered a graduate site manager role with us. This followed on from his continued support and excellent contribution to the project.
It was a good experience working with the west midlands team. Paul was easy to deal with at pre-con stage. James and his team were all good to work with and communicated well. Would have no hesitation working with Paul, James and the team again” – Dave Smith, Project Principle and Technical Advisor Mott Macdonald, DfE
Gallery
Related News
NEWS
Morgan Sindall tops out at Clover Leys Spencer Academy
Leading contractor Morgan Sindall Construction recently celebrated the successful topping out of Clover Leys Spencer Academy, a key moment in the school's construction.
NEWS
Working closely with City of Portsmouth College
Cosham Fire Station project team support City of Portsmouth College students with work experience
NEWS
Continuing our Sponsorship with previous Redbridge Students
Work experience students spend a week at the Cosham Fire Station project learning off the team and gaining valuable experience