T.A.D. Architects were appointed by Kier Construction to develop the design of this project from the end of RIBA Stage 3 through to completion.
The Rowans will provide a bespoke post-16 centre for Ellesmere College. Rowans will provide 60-70 places for pupils with SEND. The Rowans centre will focus on a work-related curriculum where pupils will have access to work and vocational learning. The proposed layouts include 6 classrooms, a Food Room and a conference centre. The conference centre will be run as a social enterprise by the pupils. The Food Room will allow pupils to prepare food and beverages for the conference centre and prepare lunch.
The existing building is a Grade II listed building, built in 1835-6, it consists of a central hall flanked by classrooms. The first floor over the main entrance was added later. In front of the hall there is another classroom that was added as an extension at a later stage.
The work involved structural and non-structural alterations, new extensions, rebuilding of existing structures, refurbishment throughout, new internal lifts and access routes to make the building accessible, repairs and replacement to all windows, doors and MEP services, plus minor external drainage, civil works and landscaping for the site. All the above needed to meet the needs of the school and the required of the Conservation Officers at the Local Authority.
Following appointment, it was noted that there were some unresolved issues with the RIBA Stage 3 design done previously. T.A.D. therefore reverted back to RIBA Stage 2 & 3 undertaking a full review of all information produced to date, revising the design as necessary to resolve the issues prior to submitting a new planning application for this revised design. Simultaneously, due to programme constraints, T.A.D. were working to develop the RIBA Stage 4 information to enable the contractor to develop the cost plan, coordinating the Team and ensuring coordination of the new services into the existing building and the impact of structural repairs and remedial work.
