Foundry College

Design & Build Refurbishment and Extension at Foundry College

Sector: Education
Client: Wokingham Borough Council
Value range: £1m – £1.5m

Morris + Blunt undertook the design and construction of refurbishment and extension works at Foundry College in Wokingham, on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council. The project aimed to enhance the existing facilities of the Pupil Referral Unit.

Scope of work

Phased Construction:

  • Phase 1:
    New build entrance, reception, offices, WC facilities, and a linking corridor at the front of the school.
  • Phase 2:
    New build timber-clad DIY workshop at the rear of the school, including a covered exterior workshop space.
  • Phase 3 & 4:
    Remodelling and refurbishment of the existing building, including new lighting, power, security, access control, fire alarm systems, heating, ventilation, internal doors, decorations, suspended ceilings, floor coverings, and fixtures and fittings.

Additional Features:

  • Sensory rooms and dedicated spaces for different lessons.
  • New parking arrangements, CCTV, and secure access pedestrian and vehicle gates.
  • Separate block accommodating workrooms and counselling offices.
  • Extended outdoor play space and a new courtyard at the centre of the college.
  • New secure, separate entry point for the school.

External Works:

  • Hard and soft landscaping to adapt the site perimeter into surrounding pockets of land.
  • Additional exterior play space provision.

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Shared entrance with an adjacent Children’s Centre and proximity to a Primary School and Nursery School required careful planning.
  • Construction was carried out during term times, necessitating suitable segregation to protect school staff, students, and visitors from hazardous activities.

Completion and Opening:

The Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Keith Baker, officially opened the extension works during a ceremony, stating:

“Foundry College provides fantastic support for students and helps them find their own successes in our borough. I was delighted to officially open the new building and was pleased to hear about how the improvements have already had a positive impact on the lives of students and staff who work there.”