The project
Following an earlier project to build a new staff room, Woodside Academy commissioned Alderton Associates to carry out a feasibility study into expanding the school. We developed the preferred option and obtained planning approval, after which Thurrock Council appointed us to fully specify and tender the works and manage the project on site, with the Council acting as Contract Administrator. The design was developed with the school and included consequential improvements: window replacement and new photovoltaic panels.
Outcome
The new block provides six classrooms designed to DfE standards, together with ancillary spaces, a passenger lift, new stairs, an extended library and WCs. The works ran from January to November 2016 and the block was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Thurrock in November 2016. Alongside promoting local labour, the project involved pupils in the works through a ‘draw my site’ art competition, a school assembly with the Ivor Goodsite mascot and cycle-awareness training around delivery lorries.
