The £48 million transformation of the Roundhouse at Pride Park, Derby into stunning new educational facilities reached a major milestone this week when we officially handed over the first buildings.
Bowmer & Kirkland Chairman, John Kirkland, gave the keys of the iconic Roundhouse building to Derby College Principal David Croll and Chair of Governors Brian Powell.
The keys to the adjacent Carriage Shop were also handed over as well as the newly-named, Stephenson building (after famous railway engineer George Stephenson); the Kirtley building named after Matthew Kirtley who was the Midland Railways’ first Locomotive and Carriage Superintendent and devised the system still used today for standardising the manufacture of machine tools; and the Francis Thompson building named after Francis Thompson (the original architect of the site).
The Carriage Shop will house the library and learning resources centre and a multi-purpose theatre. The Stephenson building (previously known as the Annexe) will be home to Art Design, Multi Media, Beauty, Plumbing/Gas, Wood occupations, electrical installations, Hairdressing and Learners with Learning difficulties; the Kirtley Centre (previously known as the Link building) will house Care and Engineering students and the Francis Thompson building (incorporating the clock tower) will house offices for staff.
The remaining building – the Engine Shed (where the Engineering Centre of Excellence will be based) is due to be handed over by the end of June.
The Grade II* Listed Roundhouse, built in 1839 and other former railway buildings are being renovated and repaired by Bowmer & Kirkland, as part of a major restoration programme designed by Maber Architects.
The flagship development, on Pride Park in Derby city centre will, from September 2009, be open to 2,500 full time students as well as part time apprentices and adults on a wide range of courses in engineering, care, some construction trades, hair & beauty, art & design and catering & hospitality.
John Kirkland said: “Our work on the Roundhouse building has taken the best part of a year and it has been a labour of love for many of our contractors as traditional skills and knowledge has been required to refurbish the building to its former glory.
“It has been the most fascinating project to work on and it is extremely rewarding to know that we are restoring the whole site for future generations to appreciate.”
Architect Ian Harris of Maber said "I have never known so much passion amongst a project team for a building. The success of the scheme is a testament to the attention to detail and solid teamwork that has been the bedrock of this project. Everyone who has worked on the buildings can be rightly proud of the result."
Derby College Principal David Croll said: “This is an exciting day for Derby College as we now prepare to move staff into their new accommodation and make ready for the first students to arrive in early September.
“Offering around 18,000 square metres of learning and teaching space, the Roundhouse campus will provide learners with a 21st century learning experience in a stimulating and dynamic environment.”
