Creating an exciting, diverse learning community within the heart of Newham

NEWVIC PHASE 1, NEWHAM SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) provided cost management services to Newham Sixth Form College for Phase 1 of the re-development of its campus at Prince Regent Lane, in Plaistow, Newham, London.

The College is one of the largest sixth form establishments in the UK and is the largest in London with approximately 2,500 FTE students and 230 FTE staff. The project’s brief was focused on creating a successful learning community to enhance the student experience.
NewVIc already has a strong positive academic reputation — and the Prince Regent Lane site conveys the sense of an exciting, diverse learning community to anyone walking through the door. This project helps to ensure that the College’s reputation is secured for the future by enhancing its physical resources.
The project involved the demolition of an existing entrance façade and reception area and the construction of a two-storey new build 2,600m² Learning Resource Centre within the Plaistow campus, for Newham Sixth Form College.
Phase 1 provides some 2,600m² of new floor space and consists of a new build modern library, learning resources centre and entrance block to improve the visibility, accessibility and overall attractiveness of the facility to attract local students. This first phase of the college regeneration sets the tone and style for future phases. Together with environmental improvements, the new building will be the “face” of the college on Prince Regent Lane and will transform the relationship between the college and its neighbourhood.
RLB added significant value to the project by providing pro-active design solutions in order to provide a balanced spend within the allocated budget.
Key challenges included multiple changes of personnel from the contractor during the construction phase and completion within the agreed timescales.
RLB proactively managed the cost of the project and were able to agree the final account within the allocated budget to the great satisfaction of the client.
Photo credit Shepheard Epstein Hunter