A multi-million pound refurbishment of Derby’s most historic school is one step nearer to completion after phase three of the project finished despite delays caused by the pandemic.
The Bemrose School is undergoing a £14m refurbishment programme to bring its 1930s building in line with 21st century teaching.
Work began in 2019 with the construction of a new state-of-the-art £8m Oak Tree unit, before workmen began transforming the main school building which dates back to 1930 and is listed locally.
Phase two was completed in February with the total transformation of eight classrooms, three maths rooms, five science laboratories and the sixth form common room.
Despite lockdown phase three was finished just days before Christmas, which means the speciality autism unit known as Elm Tree, the Enhanced Resource Centre and the impressive school hall have all been given a new lease of life ready for when pupils return in January.
The hall posed the greatest challenge for workmen who had to navigate its historic stain-glass windows in order to install ventilation in the loft space directly above them. A large birdcage scaffold had to be erected to prevent accidents.
Executive head teacher Neil Wilkinson said; “This year has been unprecedented and exceptionally challenging, not only have we been coping with all the issues surrounding the pandemic, but the school has been a building site too.
“Although this has been a major construction and refurbishment programme the school has remained open to our 1,200 pupils and staff and we have worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe.
“As each phase is completed we can see just what an incredible transformation is happening, which makes it all worthwhile. Every area feels warm, modern and cutting-edge, a place fit for learning and where children will feel valued and nurtured.”
Phase four will see the refurbishment of the final quarter of the main school building, which includes the remaining classrooms and the school gym, while phase five will include work on external areas of the school.
The restoration programme has been extensive; the original slate roof tiles were repaired and replaced alongside a brand-new ventilation system, while external windows have been switched to double-glazed, Teleflex systems.
A new boiler and central heating system means the school is temperature controlled, internal windows have been replaced with walls and acoustic rafts, to absorb the sound, have been fitted.
The building has been completely rewired and each classroom has been supplied with a 72-inch interactive screen.
But the modern additions have not replaced the school’s original features; the 1930s parquet flooring has been lifted, polished and completely restored while a fireplace in what was originally the headteacher’s office and a memorial to the 68 old boys of the school who died in the First World War, have been maintained.
The school was originally designed by the architect Alexander Macpherson and was built between 1928 and 1930 at a cost of £71,746. The bricks were made in Newark and were a smaller than standard size, which has meant that any additional bricks required during the renovation have had to be specially made.
Mr Wilkinson added: “The Bemrose School started life as a grammar school and has been through various phases during the last 90 years.
“I am delighted to say that the school is now entering a new phase, where standards are high, staff are outstanding and the school is once again a place pupils and Derby can be proud of.”
ENDS
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