BBLB architects

The client, Waltham Forest Council and Heathcote School and Science College required a brand new state of the art facility in which to provide Post 16 vocational and academic education for Heathcote School which would respond to the educational, social and economic challenges of the future.

BBLB architects was initially appointed with Turner Townsend to prepare a Feasibility Report to achieve funding from the YPLA for the proposed new Post 16 Centre. Several locations on the school site were investigated and a corner plot was chosen which would locate the new building between the existing Secondary School and the adjacent Primary School and Nursery, creating a tangible connection between all levels of education provision in the locale.

“As students come to view the building for next year’s intake the words ‘Wow’ , ‘Amazing’ and ‘I want to come here’ are frequently heard”.
Zoe Cozens, Headteacher

The original concept of the scheme sought to provide a visual link, a wedge, from the building entrance through the central core to the centre of secondary school playground. This concept has been retained with the main entrance and dining areas and study area above sitting directly on this wedge with glazing at both ends affording views right through the building. The building has been designed to accommodate up to 250 learners and has the potential for future expansion into the school grounds. As well as general classroom provision the building also provides Music Teaching and Recording facilities, a Fitness Suite, a dedicated Science Room and an ICT Suite, plus vocational training facilities for Construction training and a Hair and Beauty Suite. It is intended that the Post 16 Centre will also be accessible for local community use.

The Post 16 Centre incorporates new technology to provide economy of operation and flexiblity within and be a landmark building of sustainable construction. The building has been designed to utilise a combination of both natural and mechanical ventilation all controlled by a Building Management System and also includes Combined Heat and Power boilers and heat recovery systems to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions. It will achieve a BREEAM ‘very Good’ score.

The building was procured under the SCAPE Framework with Willmott Dixon Construction with a total project value of circa £5m.
The building creates a vibrant addition to the school and community and provide a contemporary and inspirational base for the delivery of a Post 16 curriculum for learners in the Waltham Forest area.