Category: Construction
Stepnell is making strong progress on a new £6.2 million sixth form learning resource centre in Sutton Coldfield, on track for completion ahead of the next academic year.
With the steel structure now in place, the two and a half storey extension to the existing building at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School will provide a modern sixth form centre. The space will comprise of a new library, additional classrooms, expanded dining space, and dedicated areas for sixth form social and study activities.
Designed by Baily Garner LLP, the extension is discretely integrated into the site’s natural tiered levels, sunken into the ground and featuring a facade that blends in with the grammar school.
Adrian Barnes, director at Stepnell said,
“The refurbishment will offer an environment designed to support the academic and social needs of the school’s growing sixth form community, delivering high-quality learning and recreation spaces that will inspire and empower post-16 students.
“In addition to essential enabling works, we are prioritising sustainable energy management and responsible material use through our specialist teams at Step Energy and Lawford Bespoke Joinery.“
“With the steel frame structure now complete, we remain on track for a late summer completion so that sixth form students can immediately benefit from the learning resource centre in the next academic year.”
Since working on the live site, Stepnell has ensured minimal disruption to the school’s daily operations by implementing bespoke hoarding, ramps and safety measures, considerately navigating the logistical challenge of limited site access.
The business is also dedicating considerable time on the project to social value delivery through an extensive careers support programme, including on-site apprenticeship shadowing and mock career interviews. Local expertise and supply chain remain integral to the project’s delivery, and progress updates continue to be regularly communicated to pupils and nearby residents.
The work marks a significant step in the school’s continued efforts to enhance its learning environment for students and increasing sixth form capacity.
Graham Swindells, Finance and Operations Director at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, said,
“We are excited to be working with Stepnell to construct our Learning Resource Centre, which will be a dynamic and networked space, that enables study, collaboration and innovation, preparing our Vesey students for the workplace of the future.
“The building has been designed specifically to meet the school’s specific organisational requirements and underpin the school’s vision and mission. The design is informed by ‘green’ principles, and the valuable partnership and collaboration with Stepnell throughout the project is providing our students with ‘hands-on’ learning opportunities relating to sustainable architecture and building processes through our shadow construction team.”
The project was procured via Procure Partnerships West Midlands Framework via a direct award route.
Lauren Oxland, Key Account Manager at Procure Partnerships Framework, said,
“We are delighted to support Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and see the progress of this important project. The new learning resource centre will provide invaluable benefits to the school’s students and enhance the overall learning experience for the growing sixth form community. It is fantastic to see the project is on track for completion ahead of the next academic year, and we look forward to overseeing its progress.”
