28 July 2008
Continuing Blackburn College's plans to develop a multi-million campus the Manchester office of WYG is now working on Phases Three and Four of the redevelopment, with a combined value of £35 million.
Delivering a full engineering role comprising civil and structural, mechanical and electrical, highways and environmental services on Phase Three and civil and structural engineering on Phase Four, the consultant to the built natural and social environment was appointed to both schemes following two successful tenders.
Phase Three will involve the construction of the 2500sqm automotive centre. The £4 million new build will house a fully operational mechanical workshop on the ground floor, which will also act as a commercial venture combined with teaching facilities on the first floor. Currently at design stage, the development is set for completion by September 2009.
The £31 million Phase Four, which is still in its early stages, will see the construction of a main college building comprising a central teaching centre with performing arts facilities, sports hall, a Learning Resources Centre and teaching accommodation.
Anthony Fuller, director at WYG’S Manchester office said:
"Having provided our engineering expertise on Phase One of this project, we are extremely pleased to be involved again, especially now the scheme is in the final phases.”
“Working on the existing campus presents numerous challenges but our team is experienced at dealing with live sites and will utilise its knowledge to ensure minimal disruptions to the college’s day to day running will occur during construction.”
Rachel Curry, director of resources and estates at Blackburn College added:
“Having worked with WYG before, we knew its team would help us in our goal of delivering landmark buildings which will provide world class teaching facilities for our students. I look forward to working with the WYG team again and seeing its contribution to the final stages of the college’s development.”
“It is an exciting time for everyone at the college as we have been focused on this re development for a number of years and we are grateful to the entire project team for working to make it a reality.”
Working with WYG on both projects is Pearson Fraser Ltd, providing client representation and quantity surveying together with architects, DLA Architecture Ltd, Phase Three contractor is Bardsley.