Greswolde Construction adds maths complex to its portfolio

New top Class build ADDS UP TO DOUBLE TRIUMPH

A TOP class new maths complex will add to the glowing reputation of one of the country's leading academic sixth form colleges, which is also celebrating a league table triumph.
The King Edward VI College in Stourbridge has just been listed as second in the national sixth form college rankings and it also figures in the top 100 schools and colleges.

"We're very pleased, and equally delighted that Greswolde is well underway on our new maths centre, which will match the quality of the teaching and learning at King Edward VI," said Principal Sharon Phillips

Greswolde Construction, based in Knowle in Solihull, is hard at work on the two-storey facility that will bring all the college's maths provision under one roof and provide the latest IT technology for both students and staff.
The £1m Greswolde project, designed by Birmingham-based Bryant Priest Newman Architects' Phil Shepherd, includes seven classrooms, a staffroom, breakout area and toilets.
"Special features include natural ventilation and enhanced acoustics, as well as the multi IT provision that will include computers and a smart board in the student social areas, which will make it a great learning experience," adds Greswolde MD Malcolm Priest.
Currently, maths students are split between two mobile classrooms and a separate building.
"The new centre will provide the latest facilities and our maths teachers are very excited about the potential. We have been able to plan our IT facilities into the design of the building from the onset, whereas, of course, many traditional buildings have their IT put in maybe 100 years after they were built," added Sharon.
Designer Phil Shepherd's challenge was to marry a new build with the school's historic buildings. "All those on the perimeter of the campus are faced in buff brick, and it was important to tap in to this unique pattern of development," explained Phil, who says the special bricks may get star billing too.
"If all goes to plan, the Belgian brick supplier Weinerberger, which has a factory in Aldridge, plans to nominate the project for a brick award."

Illustrations courtesy of Bryant Priest Newman Architects, Birmingham

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For further details, please contact Lynne Powell at Crucial PR on 01386 870154 or you can email lynne.powell@crucialpr.com

2. Greswolde Construction is a leading Midlands contractor, based in Knowle, Solihull, with a long-standing track record in educational, health care, commercial and housing association projects.

3. Young people have been learning on the King Edward's site since 1430, when it was known as The Chantry School of Holy Trinity. The grammar school charter was granted in 1552 and it has been a Sixth Form College since 1976. It currently has 1600 14 to 19 year olds, who can choose from over 40 A level courses, taught by a team of more than 100 specialists and support staff. For more details, please log on to www.kedst.ac.uk