Dame Allan’s Schools, one of Newcastle’s leading independent schools, has appointed Surgo Construction (Surgo) as main contractor, to work on a £2m extension and major refurbishment of the School’s Sixth Form centre.
Designed by IBA Architects, the project comprises a two-storey extension and full refurbishment of Dame Allan’s Sixth Form centre, the Queen’s Building, originally constructed in 2005.
This latest win marks the contractor’s fourth appointment to schemes in the education sector in the last six months. Currently, Surgo is working on schemes in Billingham, South Durham, and Gateshead with a combined value of circa £7.5m.
Part of the work to be undertaken by Surgo will lead to the creation of a dedicated Sixth Form café, which students will access for lunch and snacks throughout the day.
The Queen’s Building was originally designed to accommodate 200 Sixth Form students, but as numbers have grown steadily it is anticipated that this figure has the potential to reach 300 in the near future.
Surgo’s broad-based experience within the education sector was a significant factor in the contractor being chosen to deliver this project.
Speaking about working with Surgo and this latest round of investment in the school’s facilities, Dame Allan’s Principal, Will Scott, said:
“Dame Allan’s has been educating pupils since it was established in 1705 and continues to be one of the region’s leading education facilities. The school prides itself on continually evolving and improving its estate to best reflect the needs of pupils and teaching staff.
“This latest scheme is not only about increasing space it is also about modernising the space we currently have. Working with Surgo, along with the rest of the professional team, we are confident we are in safe hands and will benefit from a much improved Sixth Form centre that pupils and staff alike will be proud of.”
Further to improving student facilities, the new scheme will also include additional staff changing and showering facilities, designed to encourage sustainable travel to work.
Surgo will be working on-site during term time which will be a key challenge, as the site must remain live to minimise any disruption to the school. A further challenge for the contractor will be linking existing and new building services.
Commenting on this latest education contract win, Surgo’s pre-construction director, Martin Blight, said:
“We are delighted that Dame Allan’s has chosen to work with Surgo on extending and improving their Sixth Form centre. Our experience within the education sector is extensive and, I believe, it is this, coupled with our proficiency of working in live environments that will be critical in delivering the scheme.
Work on the project is expected to conclude by Christmas 2023 and Surgo will be collaborating with designer IBA Architects, structural engineer, 3e, m&e consultant, DTA and Artis Consulting, Dame Allan’s project manager.