Work commences on new Barrow Sixth Form College refurb project by HPA Architects
The revitalization and upgrade of Barrow Sixth Form College Campus has begun – a 14-month project led by HPA Architects.
Barrow Sixth Form College has a long tradition of academic excellence and is rated in the top tier nationally for academic achievement, committed to providing an education and training environment which promotes success and ultimately leads to employment.
The college is located on the edge of the Furness Abbey Conservation area, a leafy suburb surrounding Furness Abbey. Established in 1979 to fulfil the role of the main A level provider in the locale, Barrow Sixth Form College merged successfully with Furness College in August 2016. As part of Furness College, it is the largest provider of education and courses in Cumbria, offering a choice of Apprenticeships, A Levels, BTECs and Degrees.
The current refurbishment works, and improvement scheme are part of the College’s ambitious plan to help to secure the future of the campus, to give students the greatest potential learning experience. HPA has worked closely with the Sixth Form through a series of Feasibility studies to secure funding and were then appointed by the College to deliver the design and sensitive refurbishment of the existing building.
The works incorporated building layout reorganization, addition of staff rooms and development of the surrounding grounds. Aiming to improve circulation, give greater access and energy efficiency of the building.
The project will also include the renovation of the existing classrooms, enhancement of facilities, including the college theatre, a new reception, and a welcoming entrance area.
Building Contractor Pinningtons Ltd are delivering the refurbishment. Where possible local materials and suppliers will be used, to reduce transport emissions and ensure investment and skills benefits the local North Lancashire and Cumbrian economies.
Aspiring to provide a high-quality teaching environment, the college’s original facilities did not fully reflect its ethos or the wide curriculum on offer. Barrow Sixth Form and Furness Colleges merging in 2016, established a significant motivation to reconfigure the existing campus.
The retrofit is considered a more sustainable option than a new build and will assist in reducing operational costs. Proposals to increase user health and safety and boost the biodiversity of the site will result in an improved and valuable space for learning and training.
More information on HPA Education projects: https://www.hpa.ltd/sectors/education/
