Project Value:
Client:
Key Points
Safer accessible campus
Clear entrance identity
Specialist learning spaces
Community accessible facilities
The redevelopment creates a safer, more accessible and future ready campus, improving movement across the three co located schools while strengthening community access and specialist learning provision.
Associated Architects carefully considered how to maximise the potential of a complex site with significant level changes. The new building footprint improves the relationship with neighbouring residences while maintaining a compliant route between Mercia and Newhall Junior.
From the principal approach to the north east, two building blocks converge to form a generous entrance space that clearly announces the main arrival point. The entrance provides a strong sense of identity for the school, guiding visitors into the building while supporting clear orientation and wayfinding.
Accessibility has been a key driver throughout the design. Level access is provided to the main entrance, pupil routes and the central courtyard, with accessible parking located nearby. Generous entrance lobbies and high levels of glazing improve visibility, creating a welcoming and legible environment for all users.
The Classroom Block contains the main teaching accommodation, including classroom clusters, science laboratories and practical learning spaces for design and technology, art and food. The building also accommodates the library, ICT spaces and the majority of staff and SEN facilities.
Classrooms are arranged into departmental clusters of three and six, with staff offices and group rooms located alongside. This organisation supports collaboration, pastoral care and efficient day to day operation.
A cluster of six classrooms is positioned at the south west end of the block, with additional clusters located at first floor level, ensuring a clear and logical teaching environment that supports both learning and staff interaction.
The performing arts and sports block brings together the larger, double height spaces and the more active elements of the curriculum. Facilities include the sports hall, activity studio and fitness studio alongside the assembly hall, drama studio, music classroom and practice rooms.
A key opportunity identified during design was the connection between the assembly hall and drama studio. These spaces are designed to operate together with a shared stage area, supported by wings and backstage spaces defined by curtains. Retractable seating within the assembly hall can be oriented towards the drama studio, allowing flexibility for performances and events.
The music classroom and practice rooms form a dedicated performing arts cluster located at the north eastern corner of the building, reducing noise transfer to the classroom block. The music classroom is positioned near the main entrance to support community use.
Dedicated entrances provide controlled access to sports, music and design and technology facilities, ensuring these spaces can be used by the community while maintaining safe and secure zones within the school.
