Hartlepool Sixth Form College

“Jefferson Sheard were the obvious choice as architects on the project. The project team that has worked with us from the first moment have proven themselves sympathetic to our objectives, creative in their design and meticulous in their attention to detail. The design has exceeded our expectations and reflects the essence of value for money. I would recommend unreservedly them to anyone seeking a friendly, professional and efficient team of architects.”

Rick Wells, Principal and Chief Executive

7
Client

Hartlepool Sixth Form College

Project

New College Masterplan and Design 

Value

£18m / €21.9m

Rate valid as of 18.04.12

Hartlepool Sixth Form College Hartlepool Sixth Form College Hartlepool Sixth Form College Hartlepool Sixth Form College Hartlepool Sixth Form College

 

Requirement

 

Central to the College's strategic plan was a substantial, imaginative and ambitious programme of investment in its physical estate and learning infrastructure.

The existing Merchant House played a key role in the identity and marketing of the college. Hartlepool College wanted this identity to be preserved in any future development of the College Estate, therefore it was important to create an infrastructure which built upon the College's excellent heritage.

The College required a design which overcame the circulation and security shortcomings of the old College (which was housed in several buildings across the campus) and consequently to create a secure learning environment with ease of circulation between all facilities. It was important also, to create a learning environment which was attractive and convenient to both learners and employers offering flexibility of use to meet skills needs.

Another requirement was that the educational facilities and buildings would support sustainable development strategies, meeting the needs of current learners and employers without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Our Solution

"Designed to Deliver"

The over-riding principle has been to develop a project proposal which reflects the high quality of education delivered by the College and the aspirations to provide world class facilities for an increasingly competitive sector.

  • The new development delivers the quality and functionality of a modern learning environment. The hallmarks of the new College are excellence in the design and quality of the building and flexibility in the configuration and use of space.

 

  • The interior design and planning for the college has been developed around a curriculum zoning principle. Related curriculum departments are located in shared zones within the building to minimise circulation requirements and to encourage interaction between ‘like minded' students and staff.

 

  • The retention of the historic Merchant's House building, through its incorporation into an ETFE roofed circulation space, retains the College's identity and provides an internal environment of unique and distinctive character.

 

  • New build accommodation to the front and rear of the existing building provides modern and flexible teaching and learning space which has been designed to maximise opportunities for natural light and ventilation.

 

  • The scheme incorporates a range of sustainable design features including, rainwater harvesting and solar water heating.