Client
Wirral Borough Council
Location
Leasowe, Wirral
Value
Undisclosed
Date Completed
Autumn 2023
Development Overview
Ainsley Gommon were appointed to undertake design proposals for the repurposing of an existing building, which was to be occupied by two user groups; Clare Mount Specialist Sports College and Foxfield School.
Both schools were expanding their intake and therefore required more space to do so. The former Kingsway Academy site had remained vacant since the former school’s closure in 2018 and is being managed by a PFI company. The site covers an area of approximately 8.5 acres and is made up of the large main building, a separate CLC building, ample carparking spaces, a large play ground, playing field and football ground, as well as landscaping areas.
Both Claremount and Foxfield are SEN schools and therefore have specific requirements for their buildings which has meant the reordering and refurbishment of the building in order to suit the new user’s needs.
AGa had to create two separate spaces under one existing roof that would allow both education facilities to function independently, while also working alongside each other.
The site has been delivered in multiple phases with phase 1 being completed in January 2023 and phase two completed in November 2023. The refurbishment included the majority of classrooms, associated teaching areas such as library, gym, external works, dining hall and kitchen and the relocation of cooking rooms and DT classrooms.
As well as acting as Architect and Project Manager we also acted as Principal Designer for the project.
