September 2010

Luton Sixth Form College phase 1 complete

Work on phase 1 of the £56m campus redevelopment at Luton Sixth Form College was completed late summer. The 16,870m2 new college building includes a central administration core, wrapped by a double-height entrance lobby and two rooflit atria 'streets', providing welcoming and spacious circulation spaces. The key feature of the project is the central 'Hub' block, providing administrative and student support functions. The Hub is clad in orange coloured render, creating a central focus at the heart of the building giving the College a visible presence from the street. The Hub is wrapped and accessed from a double-height entrance lobby and two roof lit atria 'streets', which provide welcoming and spacious circulation spaces. The streets lead to five dedicated departmental teaching wing. A new 1,000m² refectory, café and servery space provides dining and seating provision for over 600 people. A series of different themed 'personalities' are provided within specific eating and relaxing areas, including a dedicated coffee bar area with internet access points. The College building utilises a low energy 'Termodeck' heating, cooling and ventilation system which is supplemented by ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology. Phase 2 construction of external works and demolition of existing buildings has commenced and is due for completion by January 2011. Simon Kitchener, Principal of the college said 'The new buildings will provide world class educational and sporting facilities for the town.'