Value: £1m Client: ELLG East Lancashire Learning Group – arc Accrington & Rossendale College
Rosslee Construction was awarded the refurbishment of two separate buildings on isolated floors to create modern Industry Hub facilities while ensuring the college remained fully operational throughout the project, including during the summer closure.
Works were carried out on the first floor of the Cedar Building and the second floor of the Broadoak Building. Both schemes involved the demolition of existing classrooms and the reconfiguration of the spaces to create modern teaching environments. The Cyber Industry Hub included a cyber security lab, gaming room, Mac lab, staff room and breakout spaces, while the Health & Social Care Hub comprised a mock hospital ward, one-to-one consultation room, lecture rooms and breakout areas.
The new classrooms were constructed using metal stud and plasterboard partition walls, finished with plaster, emulsion paint, and oak skirting and architraves treated with a clear oil finish. Corridor walls featured a combination of acoustic and fire-rated glazed screens, with acoustic glazing incorporating switchable privacy film, while the fire-rated glazing retained its original finish.
Ceiling works consisted primarily of feature MF bulkheads with suspended ceilings installed between and around them. Within the Cyber Security and Gaming Labs, the existing soffit and exposed M&E services were sprayed black to create a contemporary industrial appearance.
Floor finishes were predominantly carpet, using contrasting colours to create visual interest and define spaces, with vinyl flooring installed within the newly refurbished WC facilities.
A full mechanical and electrical refurbishment was also undertaken, including the removal of the existing services and installation of new systems to suit the redesigned layouts. The washroom facilities were completely refurbished with new decorations, MF ceilings, vinyl flooring, IPS units, black sanitaryware and energy-efficient LED lighting.
The finished Industry Hubs provide bright, modern learning environments with high-quality finishes and contemporary design features that have been extremely well received by both the college and its students.
Over 90% of the project’s supply chain spend was within the local area, supporting local businesses throughout the scheme. The project was also delivered by a local workforce and provided valuable experience for several of Rosslee Construction’s apprentices, helping to develop the next generation of construction professionals.