Three new laboratories benefitting from the use of the latest technology compiled with a contemporary design have just been completed at Torquay Academy.
The £29 million rebuild of Torquay Community College, now Torquay Academy, was overseen by TDA’s Schools Capital and Planning Team who secured funding from the Government’s Building Schools for the future initiative and additional funding from Torbay Council.
Kevin Atkinson, Head of Property Services, said: “This project was very exciting to work on as it was a continuation of the £29 million vision for renewal and rebuilding of Torquay Academy, which we started in 2012. The projects embraced a wide range of aspirations and innovative intentions within the context of national initiatives. The transformation from old to new is dramatic, with vastly improved state-of-the-art facilities and excellent teaching spaces.”
The £200,000 Science Labs project was delivered in 16 weeks by TDA, with Morgan Sindall carrying out the construction works.
Steve Margetts, Principal at Torquay Academy, said: “This is a fantastic learning environment and we feel a sense of pride in how the school has moved forward. The students are motivated, enthusiastic and receptive to new ideas. Torquay Academy is at the forefront of leading innovative teaching with learning opportunities fit for the 21st Century.”
Nigel Whelan, area manager at Morgan Sindall, said: “We’re delighted to have completed work on this pioneering scheme, which will greatly enhance the educational offering at Torquay Academy. The building provides a first class scientific learning environment for students and it has been fantastic to work in partnership with Torquay Academy and TDA to create these state of the art laboratories.”
The build met Building Schools for the Future, Every Child Matters, the 14-19 Agenda, the Extended Schools Policy and Workforce Reform initiatives and has led in the development of Secondary Education in Torbay as a whole.
The labs will be showcased at Teach Meet Torquay, a gathering of teachers, leaders and researchers in education to share ideas and strategies for challenging students.
TDA are sponsoring the event and talking to schools and other educational organisations from across the South West about the Labs and how they can help deliver projects like this to support their educational needs.
To learn more about the project management of the Labs email paul.yandell@tedcltd.com or visit www.tda.uk.net/our-projects to see more fantastic projects being delivered across the South West.
