Norton Community Primary School, Malton
New Build, School Assembly & Dining Hall
The Challenge
North Yorkshire County Council wished to provide a new dining/assembly hall with a catering kitchen and associated storage together with additional teaching space adjacent the Year 5 and 6 blocks. Minor internal alterations were also proposed to provide an administration office at the front of the school.
The primary objective of the scheme was to provide a replacement dining hall and kitchen for the provision of school meals and for the new hall to be designed to allow independent use out of school hours by the local community.
Part of the scheme also required the demolition of an old HORSA facility that was no longer fit for purpose, during which time school meals would need to be brought in.
The site was located within a flood plain and area of Archaeological historical interest requiring design and watching brief requirements to mitigate against associated project risks.
Solution
The works consisted primarily of new build construction elements with refurbishment of adjoining areas or alteration to provide better access.
The main circulation spaces follow a common theme whether this be alteration of existing circulation areas or construction of new ones, namely the spaces are to be bright, spacious and well lit, benefiting from natural ventilation while utilising a palette of robust contemporary materials.
A new joint entrance for the public and school users alike is placed at the east end of the school and is a large high volume space which is intended to act as both a foyer and display area. The hall will be used for a wide variety of school and community activities.
The new buildings are constructed using a SIPS system (Structural Insulated Panel System) for speed of erection which helped minimise the time the school would need to bring meals onto the site.
Benefits
The new development exceeded the clients expectations for the building extension, refurbishment and external works. The project also presented an
opportunity to integrate various disparate elements of previous building works so that the hall became a more integrated addition by forming a destination point
for the school circulation. The new entrance allows secure 3rd party use outside of school hours. The project was delivered within the agreed budget with the minimum of disruption while the school was in full
use. The client expressed their considerable satisfaction of all aspects of the works and resulting new facility
We are really excited about the new opportunities this fantastic hall is going to offer and we are all looking forward to our first Christmas lunch together for three years.
Liz Parker – Head teacher, Norton Community Primary School.
