Education
"The challenge is to determine the most appropriate buildings in which to deliver modern education and the best procurement mechanisms to achieve this." Paul Thomas, Sector Director, Construction
Osborne’s expertise in the education sector extends from primary and secondary schools through to further and higher education. In September 2008 we handed over the 12,600m2 New Academic Building to the London School of Economics. The scheme involved remodelling an Edwardian public records office in central London to provide academic, social, and departmental office space and enable the LSE to grow its student population to 9,000.
The building was designed by Grimshaw Architects, and Osborne’s £33 million design and build contract for the project was, at the time, our largest single contract. The flagship building was designed to reflect LSE’s status and attract students from all over the world, so it was imperative that the design did not become compromised during the design and construct process. The completed building meets the architect’s original intent and maintains the design quality, and our performance on the project demonstrated that we can deliver a high quality university environment on time and to budget.
Since this appointment, we have won a series of large projects in the education sector, including a £52 million contract to redevelop West Thames College in Isleworth, Middlesex. Work started in July 2008 to demolish existing buildings on the campus and build a refectory, library, sports hall, teaching space, college administration facilities and a theatre.
The project is fully funded, despite the current funding restrictions on the Learning and Skills Council, which have curtailed many further education projects. Prior to the funding shortfall, Osborne had won three contracts in this sector, and we hope to work with our clients to find a way of bringing these projects to construction.
We are also active in secondary school construction, mainly through direct contracts with local authorities and individual schools. During 2008 we completed an £8 million project to build new facilities for Slough and Eton Church of England School in Berkshire. The project involved building two science laboratories and a two-storey teaching block, which adds 24 classrooms, along with further facilities.
Looking ahead, we are committed to working with clients through Local Education Partnerships (LEPs), and are part of a consortium that is bidding for new national frameworks through Building Schools for the Future.
Osborne has already delivered a number of primary schools through frameworks in Southampton, the Isle of Wight, Surrey, Redbridge and Kent. We have also won Tier 2 IESE (Improving Efficiency South East) frameworks in Hampshire and Sussex.
From an inspirational design by Grimshaw, Osborne completed the New Academic Building on time and on budget with a BREEAM Excellent rating - a remarkable achievement. From the refurbished façade of the building, through a spectacular atrium to the academic and teaching floors, and culminating in an 8th floor suite of committee rooms surrounded by a terrace, it is a celebration of functional, yet elegant design, and quality construction. Throughout the design and construction process, Osborne spent considerable time ensuring that LSE staff were consulted on key decisions and informed of the project's progress. Prof. George Gaskell, Pro-Director, The London School of Economics and Political Science
For more information about our expertise in this sector click on our Education brochure or contact construction@osborne.co.uk