Project 360: Bromsgrove School

CLIENT
Lesley Brookes, Bursar, Bromsgrove School

Speller Metcalfe was appointed two separate multi-million pound contracts at Bromsgrove School, which included a vast array of new school buildings and refurbished facilities – the largest development in the School’s 500 year history. 

The works were undertaken in phases so that the building works didn’t disturb the School or our neighbours unnecessarily and it became apparent early on that Speller Metcalfe understood our needs as the client for the School to be able to run as normally as possible. From the outset we were fully involved in all discussions and actively involved in the decision making. This was all made easier by the contract team’s honest and open approach and their expert advice when needed.

Not only have we been handed fantastic, state-of-the-art accommodation and sports buildings on time and in budget, but Speller Metcalfe became an integral part of School life here at Bromsgrove -not only through their visibility on site, which was always polite, smart and clean, but through their engagement in school life and activities that went over and above what we would expect from a building contractor.

CONTRACTOR
Andy Bruton, Contracts Manager, Speller Metcalfe

The school works incorporated the complete refurbishment of the existing Oakley boarding House for girls and construction of the new Mary Windsor boarding House with 70 bedrooms and en-suite facilities with spectacular views over the sports pitches. All boarding Houseparent’s accommodation was also rebuilt, which has provided safe, warm and comfortable accommodation for all.

As well as the boarding houses, we extended the sports facilities which have been built to a national standard and as such the School is able to host external tournaments and events. The sports hall is one of the largest in the UK with seating for 900 people on the new bleacher seats, alongside the new fitness centre and café area which is also open to the public. A new, state-of-the-art hospitality suite for hosting events and additional teaching space was also incorporated, alongside refurbished swimming pool and changing areas. As well as the boarding and sports facilities, a new Gate House at the front entrance to the School, external walkway that links sports facilities together and provides disabled access and external landscaping has also formed part of the contract.

ARCHITECT
Andrew Haines, Robothams

Having designed the original master plan six years ago, it has been rewarding to finally see the sports and boarding buildings emerge as originally envisaged. The project was not only about providing state0of-the-art facilities but also improving the image of Bromsgrove School as visitors and parents arrive at the main entrance.

Speller Metcalfe’s team has worked with us, through the initial enabling works, the complex phased handovers to the completion of the final buildings. They have implemented the client’s objectives of great design and best value whilst maintaining the safety of both pupils and staff in a live education environment. The team from Speller Metcalfe were proactive in adapting their site during the project, to allow the school to continue to function. They made great efforts to develop positive relationships with the School’s management team, house parents, sports staff and pupils.

We all look forward to the new development assisting Bromsgrove School and its excellent staff in advancing the education it offers pupils.