Barrow Sixth Form College Undergoes a Remarkable Transformation
In the shadow of Furness Abbey, Barrow Sixth Form College, is undergoing a remarkable 14-month transformation led by the team at HPA Architects. As an integral part of Furness College since 2016, this institution stands proudly as the largest education provider in Cumbria and a beacon of academic excellence.
Through rigorous feasibility studies and collaboration with the Sixth Form, we’ve not only secured funding but also assumed the responsibility for breathing new life into the establishment and redefining some of the educational spaces.
As the creative minds behind this ambitions venture, HPA are not simply overseeing a routine refurbishment; the team are coordinating an holistic reimagining of the core of the campus building. The revitalization initiative extends beyond a minimal facelift. It involves a strategic reorganisation of the building layout, the addition of seminar rooms, and the enhancement of surrounding grounds. Prioritising improved circulation, heightened energy efficiency, and increased accessibility, the project aims to establish an environment that resonates with the college’s ethos of academic excellence.
The project’s ambitious scope encompasses the thorough renovation of new heating and lighting systems, creation of a new physics lab, refurbishment of services for the science labs, the transformation of the college theatre with digital equipment more aligned to industry procedures and standards. A creation of a new reception to provide a more welcoming area and additional student hot desk spaces to promote collaborative learning.
Pinington Ltd, the building contractor, champions sustainability by sourcing materials from local suppliers. This not only minimizes transport emissions but also ensures the project contributes meaningfully to the growth of the North Lancashire and Cumbrian economies. Adopting a retrofit approach not only aligns with sustainability goals but also promises cost efficiency with quantity surveyor services provided by Donald Lomax and Partners. Moreover, proposals to enhance user health and safety, along with initiatives to boost biodiversity, underscore a commitment to crafting a space that transcends traditional academic boundaries, fostering a rich and invaluable environment for learning and training.
Anticipated for completion for the new academic year in 2024, with phased works designed to minimise disruption, the upgrade space promises a renewed experience for both students and staff at the commencement of the next academic year.
See more of HPA’s Education projects.
