SCALA Civic Building of the Year Competition, 2004

Commended

Wolverhampton City Council: Wednesfield
Wolverhampton City Learning Centre

Wolverhampton City Learning Centre aims to meet the Government’s aspirations of enhancing the opportunities of pupils by providing better access to the latest educational technology in a welcoming and stimulating environment. Wednesfield High School was chosen as the host school as it offered the most potential in terms of available space, adaptability and location.

A disused swimming pool, which could not be easily demolished as it formed an integral part of a larger building, provided the opportunity for conversion and extension to provide the necessary facilities as a self contained element within the school campus.

The pool tank was filled with structural grade polystyrene to create a new 270 sq m floor for the main IT resource area. The south-east facing glazed wall of the pool hall was replaced with a new opaque glazing system set back behind the existing structural columns to enhance the sculptural effect of the distinctive late 1950s concrete folded slab roof.

A two storey extension containing reception, offices, cyber café and a gallery overlooking the former pool hall was added. As the bulk of the site is orientated away from the public view, a vertical fin was incorporated into the extension to proclaim its presence from the highway and to identify the point of entry to the centre.

The scheme was undertaken on a partnering basis and was completed on time and on budget.

Architect: Wolverhampton City Council Property Services, Leno Di Donato, Keith Hodgkins, Bhupinder Singh Mann, Nicky Sahota
Quantity Surveyor:Wolverhampton City Council Property Services - Annette Brandsma, Sharon Preece
Structural Engineer: Wolverhampton City Council Property Services - John Peach, Clive Roper
Mechanical Engineer: Michael J Broom and Associates, Stourbridge - Steve Coppard
Electrical Engineer: Wolverhampton City Council Property Services - Simeon Kay, Frank Townsend
Main Contractor:John Mowlem and Company plc, Wolverhampton