DIXONS SIXTH FORM ACADEMY

OVERVIEW

This intricate and complex scheme saw G&H work with Kier to transform an 1800s Grade II listed mill and coach house into a class-leading sixth form academy over two phases of works.

CHALLENGE

The building was originally built as a worsted mill coinciding with the Industrial Revolution that saw Bradford dubbed ‘the wool capital of the world’.

Due to the nature of historic buildings, G&H was presented with some unforeseen challenges during the installation that required the design to be revised and optimised.

SOLUTION

The design and installation of mechanical and electrical works were delivered in two distinct phases.

Phase one commenced in Spring 2019. G&H worked to a non-negotiable deadline so pupils could use the facilities when they returned in September for the start of the new academic year.

The basement kitchen, café and dining area as well as ground and first floor classrooms, breakout spaces and a library all had to be completed, tested and handed over on programme to allow occupation.

Height restrictions in the basement meant there was limited space to install lighting and ventilation requiring G&H’s design team to be precise with all measurements and provide engineers with the optimum angles for access.

Examples include additional structural steelwork to support part of the mill forcing pipework to be re-routed and a mineshaft being discovered in the carpark which had to be backfilled.

Phase two was completed in March 2020. This saw additional classrooms, breakout areas, a lecture theatre and an adjacent new-build sports hall delivered with bespoke education-related MEP services.

The coach house was also completed in this second phase and saw the derelict building transformed into changing rooms and modern offices for the academy’s staff.

In total, the sixth form includes ten science laboratories, 15 classrooms and a large lecture theatre.

RESULTS

We sympathetically designed, specified and installed the MEP services to create a contrast with the original mill features that had been retained, such as sleek white pillars and brickwork.

Similarly, the ceilings on each floor were left exposed to showcase more of the building’s historical character as well as the new MEP services.

Mechanical services included ventilation, heating, cooling, water and gas services, above ground drainage, thermal insulation, plantroom reconfiguration and a building management system.

Electrical services included new interior, exterior and emergency lighting, fire alarm, disabled refuge and toilet distress alarm, CCTV, access control, data, low voltage distribution, lift supply and small power installed.

The scheme was efficiently managed throughout by the main contractor Kier resulting in both phases being completed ahead of schedule.