Miller starts work on transforming Hartlepool 6th form

Miller Construction has started work on a £20m project to expand Hartlepool 6th Form College’s Brinkburn site.

Miller will be restoring the college’s Edwardian merchant house building and creating alongside it a new two-storey 9,000 sq m teaching building, which together will accommodate approximately 1,000 students.

The two buildings will be joined by a high-tech transparent roof which will utilise natural daylight and form a communal area for students to enjoy.

The project will also see the introduction of a new state-of-the-art performing arts centre and lecture theatre. Environmental consideration is also being incorporated into the buildings through new sustainable design features such as rainwater harvesting.

Garry Hope, Operations Director, Miller Construction, commented: “Working on a project like this, where the college will remain operational throughout, is always a challenge but we have extensive experience in the education sector and will be working closely with the college to ensure that students are not disturbed during the two-year project.

“The quality of the new facilities will be second to none with new state-of-the-art learning resources, additional sporting and performing arts facilities. It will also boast excellent eco-features including rainwater harvesting and the use of natural daylight for communal areas.

“Once finished the college really will be something to be proud of, not just with its new features but the restoration of its stunning historical features within the beautiful merchant house which reflects the area’s rich industrial heritage.”

Architect Peter Matthews from Jefferson Sheard explains, “Careful juxtaposition of traditional and modern materials, incorporation of design proportions in keeping with the existing building, energy efficient detailing and sustainable design features will ensure that the new college sets architectural, as well as educational, standards of excellence”.

Miller Construction’s team will keep the college fully operational throughout the two year project, which is due for completion in 2010. Work will commence on the new two-storey teaching building and, once complete, students and staff will be transferred into the new teaching area whilst the renovation work is undertaken on the merchant house building.

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