College Redevelopment Begins, 13/07/04
Work on the redevelopment of Merton College started yesterday
(12 July). Cllr Andrew Judge, Leader of Merton Council,
accompanied by Karl Carter, the college’s Chair of Corporation,
initiated the demolition of the existing buildings on
the London Road site, to make way for new buildings to
house a repositioned main entrance, library learning
centre, internet café and advice centre, as well
as specially designed classrooms, laboratories and workshops.
Cllr Andrew Judge said: “The council is pleased to join
with the college in close partnership to advance the prospects
for young people in Merton.
“Buildings and investment do matter, and this exciting project
will provide a dine environment for learning and personal
development.”
The £28 million redevelopment will be phased over
the next three years, ultimately enabling the college to
transfer the sixth form centre from Central Road and incorporate
it within the main campus. The resulting single site will
serve some 5,000 students covering a large range of courses.
By architects Ash Design, the new buildings will consist
of some 20,000 sq m of space constructed using stone, glass
and steel. The design includes an impressive new main entrance
and atrium fronting London Road.
Karl Carter, the college’s chair of corporation, said: “This
project has taken some time to get under way, but now that
it is, we can look forward to completion when we will be
able to provide some of the best facilities in the area,
and an extended range of courses.
“The additional choice offered to the people of Merton will
encourage more school leavers and adults into further education,
and provide employers with more choice for the training of
their staff.”
The redevelopment of Merton College is scheduled to be complete
in 2007.
The demolition contractors for this phase of the project
are KDC.
ENDS
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