Work starts on second phase at Marlborough College

Science building at leading school set for second phase of transformation

The science building at Marlborough College, one of the UK’s most prestigious co-educational independent full boarding schools, is set for its next phase of transformation.

The £2.3m second phase will see the construction of five new teaching laboratories, a physics preparation room and the widening of the main corridor to enhance circulation space.

Work has already started to strip back to the existing concrete frame structure, remove windows and roof coverings and remove all furnishings back to brick. Structural demolition of the brickwork and a section of concrete frame has also begun to allow for the widening of the corridor with the installation of a new structural steel frame added to the side of the existing building.

This will be supported with upgraded M&E systems controlled via BMS to enhance safety and security, lighting, heating and ventilation throughout, a new curtain walling to enhance natural light and a complete re-roof of the area.

In addition to the roof, the building will also benefit from an upgraded façade to cover the outdated render and blockwork. The overclad will increase the thickness of the walls and improve the thermal properties of the building, all while helping to meet the College’s objective of delivering a modern teaching space.

Our key objective is to provide our pupils with the teaching, infrastructure and environment necessary to make their mark on Science and Technology, all while staying true to the distinguished educational heritage Marlborough College has to offer. We are delighted to see work has begun on the next phase of this comprehensive project and to be once again working alongside Beard who understand and share our ethos.

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE

This latest project is the continuation of the first phase where we successfully delivered seven teaching laboratories, a biology preparation room and toilet facilities, along with enhanced circulation spaces.

We entered contract halfway through the phase one programme when the original contractor entered administration. Within two weeks of the college making contact, a full project team was assembled. We worked with the college and its consultants to bring back the previous supply chain and the site was reopened within just seven weeks.

While Beard may have a storied history in the education sector, it’s certainly not lost on us to be working with one of the country’s leading independent schools on such a prestigious project. Through our role in the first phase, we’ve developed a strong relationship with the team at Marlborough College and we look to nurture this into the next phase and beyond. We will continue to utilise our expertise in the sector to ensure the spaces we create offer a dynamic learning environment for students and a fantastic workspace for teachers and staff. These buildings have an important role in the rich history of Marlborough College and we are thrilled to be playing our part.

JAMIE HARWOOD
Swindon Director

While the most disruptive work has been scheduled within the Easter break and other school holiday periods, much of the project will take place while pupils use the remainder of the science building. We’re working closely with the College to ensure minimal disturbance for both staff and pupils, facilitating separate access, managing boundaries, and erecting temporary partition walls to separate live environments

24 April 2023

Work starts on second phase at Marlborough College