Beard begins second phase of Marlborough College science building

Swindon-based Beard Construction is set to start work on the second phase of Marlborough College’s science building overhaul.

This will see the firm constructing five new teaching laboratories, a physics preparation room and widening the main corridor to improve space for circulation, at a cost of £2.3 million.

Beard has already begun stripping the building back to the existing concrete frame structure, removing windows and roof coverings, and removing all furnishings back to brick. The firm has also started structural demolition of the brickwork and a section of the concrete frame to enable the widening of the corridor by installing a new steel structural frame on the side of the building.

This will be supported with upgraded M&E systems controlled via BMS to enhance safety and security, lighting, heating and ventilation throughout, a new curtain walling to enhance natural light and a complete re-roof of the area.

In addition to the roof, the building will also benefit from an upgraded façade to cover the outdated render and blockwork. The overclad will increase the thickness of the walls and improve the thermal properties of the building, all while helping to meet the college’s objective of delivering a modern teaching space.

While the most disruptive work has been scheduled within the Easter break and other school holiday periods, much of the project will take place while pupils use the remainder of the science building.

Beard is working closely with the college to ensure minimal disturbance for both staff and pupils, facilitating separate access, managing boundaries, and erecting temporary partition walls to separate live environments.

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This latest project is the continuation of the first phase which saw Beard successfully deliver seven teaching laboratories, a biology preparation room and toilet facilities, along with enhanced circulation spaces. After the original contractor went into administration partway through the first phase, Beard stepped in at short notice.

Within two weeks of the college making contact, Beard assembled a team for the project and sent a project manager, site manager and surveyors to site to re-establish work. Beard then began the process of working with the college and its consultants to bring back the previous supply chain, all in the middle of the summer holidays, to finish the project. It took just seven weeks from the original contractor closing the site to Beard reopening the site and restarting works for the college.

Jamie Harwood, director at Beard said: “While Beard may have a storied history in the education sector, it’s certainly not lost on us to be working with one of the country’s leading independent schools on such a prestigious project. Through our role in the first phase, we’ve developed a strong relationship with the team at Marlborough College and we look to nurture this into the next phase and beyond.

“We will continue to utilise our expertise in the sector to ensure the spaces we create offer a dynamic learning environment for students and a fantastic workspace for teachers and staff. These buildings have an important role in the rich history of Marlborough College and we are thrilled to be playing our part.”

Andrew Hart, bursar at Marlborough College said: “Our key objective is to provide our pupils with the teaching, infrastructure and environment necessary to make their mark on Science and Technology, all while staying true to the distinguished educational heritage Marlborough College has to offer. We are delighted to see work has begun on the next phase of this comprehensive project and to be once again working alongside Beard who understand and share our ethos.”

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