21st June Brings 21st Century College, 21/06/06
Minister opens London Road
Merton College’s achievement in giving the borough, a college fit for the 21 st century is fittingly recognised today (June 21) when the new facilities were formally opened by Bill Rammell MP, the Minister whose responsibilities include further education and lifelong learning.
Escorted by the College’s principal, Sally McEnhill, who has worked tirelessly to bring this day about, the Minister cut the ribbon on the entrance gates in the new glass and metal entrance pagoda. The Minister said: "The further education (FE) system as a whole has a crucial role in delivering the skills we need today and in the future. Our FE White Paper sets out a comprehensive programme of change which will transform the FE system.
“ This new building is clearly going to be an exciting resource, which will underpin a great deal of the good work you are already doing. It is a focal point for the college and community providing: ITC, Visual and Performing Arts, Science Laboratories, and a Sixth Form Centre. It will provide opportunities for local people and businesses to gain invaluable skills in these areas."
A plaque commemorates a day in which the Minister had discussions with students as well as touring over £9million of new building.
“I’m delighted at the quality of the facilities we can now offer,” says Sally McEnhill.
The building provides Merton’s students with a Library and Learning Centre with over 100 computers and 20,000 books and journals, flexible IT-networked teaching spaces, a separate 6 th form centre, an IT café and bookshop, science labs and special areas for the visual and performing arts.
With so much current emphasis on long-term water shortages in South East England, the design allows the College to do its bit. A large tank in the courtyard collects rainwater to use both for the new planting at the front of the college and for sanitation.
Conventional, energy-intensive electronic air conditioning is also avoided by creating chilled beams and having exposed ceilings with night-time ventilation.
“Wherever we can, we have gone for green, sustainable technology,” explains Sally.
Designed by specialist education architects, Nightingale Associates, the new buildings provide 6,000m² of floorspace. The design includes an impressive new main entrance and atrium, which will be glazed throughout.
The main contractor, Fitzpatrick Contractors Limited, started work on the project in February 2005. Established in 1921, it has worked on a number of prestigious projects, including the remodelling of Trafalgar Square in London which has won a number of awards.
The project manager is Hornglade Projects, part of the Tribal Property Services group, Max Fordham LLP is the building services engineer and The Hambleton Partnership the project structural engineers. The quantity surveyor is Gleeds.
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