Cheshunt School is a Technology College in Broxbourne Council, Hertfordshire. When the project started, the school had 473 students, although it had a capacity of 900. The project was meant to replace and modernise existing school buildings to attract new students. The works included a new 4-courts sports hall and changing facilities, upgrades to the swimming pool, a new Multi-Use Games Area, improved car parking, and the construction of a new Science and Technology block.
Funding for the project (£6m) was generated through the sale of surplus playing field for residential development. The redevelopment was approved following a Department of Education Article 77 application, after consultation with Sport England, providing enough playing fields are left to satisfy the minimum requirements. The disposed land was used for a residential development, the proceedings of which help with the modernisation of the school.
The 24-classroom, 3,000 sqm Science and Technology block was designed to a 1200mm grid system that maximises flexibility, minimises the need for bespoke elements, and makes for a cost-effective building realised within a tight construction budget. With the larger classrooms on the ground floor, the central corridor has been offset to open up a central, double height street with views into the landscape and daylight into the centre of the building. This space also allows for stack ventilation of the naturally ventilated classrooms, so minimising the need for mechanical services.
The facade facing the main thoroughfare passing the school has been fitted with white panels, to attract the attention of drivers and give the presence of the school through the wooded area between the school and the road.
Client: Cheshunt School / Cornerstone Assets, Client Design Advisor, Fire Engineering, Quantity Surveyor, Landscape: NPS, Architect: Barron and Smith (NPS), Project Manager, MEP: Hamson JPA (NPS), Structures, Civils, Infra: Robson Liddle (NPS), Planning Consultant: Renew