DLT Phase 1 - St. Joseph's College
As part of the phase 1 of the Dumfries Learning Town Project, St Joseph's College, a Grade B-listed building. was given a renovation and also a significant extension to the campus creating an education hub.
Why the change?
Founded in 1875 by the Marist Brothers, St Joseph's College is a Grade B Listed building. When construction started in 2016 at the beginning of the Dumfries Learning Town project phase 1 it was in need of extensive fabric repairs, whilst its two existing extensions, which had been erected in the 1960's and 1980's were no longer fit for purpose.
Accessibility issues
The three buildings shared only one common level, on the first floor, meaning that large portions of the School were inaccessible to students, staff and visitors. The existing Gym and Dining Halls were remote meaning that pupils had to endure inclement weather whilst travelling between them.
What the final project delivered
The project has successfully rationalised the existing buildings to provide a single School building with integrated Gym and Dining facilities. It was very important for the School that the identity of St. Joseph's College, which includes its own stand-alone Chapel Building, was retained. The Existing Grade B Listed School building was fully remodelled and refurbished, including fabric repairs, new windows and new roof coverings.
The 1960's extension, which had been re-clad in the 1980's was stripped back to its concrete frame structure, whilst the 1980's extension was demolished to allow for the erection of a new Health and Well-being facility, consisting of a 4 Court Games Hall, Gym Hall, Fitness Suite and modern Home Economics teaching spaces.
The outcome
The total remodelling of the existing buildings allowed a seamless integration of the new build element, enabling full, all-inclusive access to the entire school for the first time in its long history.
Community benefits
- 9 delegates upskilled through training on project
- 10 jobs created
- 12 work experience placements
- 9 existing apprenticeships
- 5 N/SVQ completions
- 17 educational curriculum events held
(Image credit: CRGP Architects and Surveyors)
