A £3.2m redevelopment project transformed a historic educational institution into a modern, sustainable learning environment.
A £3.2m redevelopment project transformed a historic educational institution into a modern, sustainable learning environment.
Value: £3.2m
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Architect: HNW Architects
Contractor: Sunninghill Construction
The College of Richard Collyer, established in 1532, is one of West Sussex’s leading sixth-form colleges, serving over 2,000 students. To accommodate its growth and enhance facilities, the college embarked on a significant redevelopment project. This included the construction of a new two-storey teaching block and the conversion of an existing ground floor into a café and exhibition space. The project was part-funded by the Department for Education and the Collyer Endowment Trust.
Given the site’s constraints and proximity to occupied buildings, AWA Consulting Engineers provided expert structural and civil engineering services. In the new teaching block, a steel frame with precast concrete floors was chosen over timber to mitigate collapse risks. The use of lighter precast units allowed for installation via a mobile tower crane without oversailing existing structures. Additionally, AWA ensured seamless integration with the existing drainage systems, maintaining minimal disruption to the college’s operations.
The redevelopment culminated in the opening of the Shelley Building, featuring 10 modern classrooms and a café. The project was officially opened by Jeremy Quin MP and has been well-received by staff and students alike. The new facilities support the college’s strategic plan to provide high-quality teaching spaces and accommodate future growth, ensuring that the institution continues to thrive as it approaches its 500th anniversary.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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