Work starts on £3.9 million expansion at Lichfield school

The £3.9 million project at King Edward VI School involves the design and build of an extension to an existing building and the construction of a new modular building to provide much needed replacement teaching and other spaces.

Phase one of works involves the construction of a new three-storey extension on the site of a former swimming pool which was demolished prior to commencement and is expected to be completed in spring 2021. The extension will provide replacement teaching and extra spaces, as well as an administration area on the lower ground floor, which will be the location of the school’s new student services area.

Phase two, which is expected to be complete in winter 2020, involves the demolition and replacement of existing accommodation, providing modern and enhanced science laboratory teaching facilities at the school.

This is the second contract secured by G F Tomlinson through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire County Council, led by Entrust Property Services.

During the work, the site management team will perform virtual live site tours for the school to report project progress and allow them to raise any queries they have.

Chris Flint, a director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to be able to commence construction works for our client Staffordshire County Council, particularly in the current climate. The works will maximise space and upgrade the existing buildings at King Edward VI School. These important renovations will optimise teaching spaces and improve the overall educational experience for students and staff.

“It has been rewarding to engage with Entrust Property Services again and we look forward to working for them and Staffordshire County Council to deliver this project, whilst continuing to build strong relationships with Arc Partnership and our other local supply chain partners over the course of both phases.”

Demand

Councillor Philip White, cabinet member for learning and skills, said: “These works are being completed to ensure the site can accommodate an increased demand for pupil places at the school, as a result of new housing in and around the city. Once finished, the work will enable the school to expand by 150 pupils.

“We have been planning for this for a while, and construction is taking place over the course of a year to minimise disruption as much as possible. I’m sure pupils and teachers will enjoy using the brand-new accommodation in September 2021.”

John Doherty, chief executive of Entrust Support Services, said: “We are proud to see works commence at King Edward VI School following Entrust’s master planning of a multi-faceted brief across a split campus.

"This is a complex project which we are proudly project managing with our preferred contractor and we look forward to working with G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council and the school to complete it. Once finished these new teaching spaces will benefit the school and its pupils well into the future.”

Jane Rutherford, head at King Edward School, said: “With additional students joining us each year, this project will provide all our students and staff with access to improved facilities. We are looking forward to seeing the project completed during the coming academic year."

The council is leading the project, with project management from Entrust, G F Tomlinson acting as main contractors and Arc partnership acting as architect and structural engineer.