A scheme is underway on site to form new pupil toilet facilities and SEN facility at The Hollins, which is a secondary school in Accrington, and is part of the Lancashire Education Trust (LET Trust).
The project involves the remodelling and refurbishment of a former SEN Provision area to become a new boys and girls’ toilet facilities. Additionally, another room that was previously subject to less use will be refurbished and remodelled to become an SEN Provision area instead. The new SEN provision will have a SEN classroom, a new office, and meeting room.
Previously, there was a lack of pupil toilet facilities (ratio of toilet numbers that in relation to pupil numbers), in line with the DFE’s Building Bulletins which provide guidance on school building requirements.
The remodelling works will result in a large, brand new, pupil toilet facilities. The refurbished SEN space will form a new SEN teaching provision, to provide an educational setting for AP / SEN pupils, within mainstream education.
Initially, Lea Hough considered a few different feasibility ideas, to address the shortfall in toilets, before the selected scheme was chosen. The scheme has made good use of space within the existing building, as space has been utilised and re-modelled to avoid the need for the construction of an extension, which would have been a more costly project. An area within the school, which was identified to have less usage, has been used to gain space for the important toilet facilities project. This scheme has alleviated the need for a cost heavy extension.
Lea Hough have designed, specified and are project-managing the works from initial feasibility, through to full delivery.
The project is programmed to be completed in late-August 2024, and is intended to be up and running for the new academic year in early September.
Prior to the works commencing, our team prepared feasibility ideas and a budget estimate. Following this, we prepared design drawings, specification for the refurb, arranged Building Regulations approval, sought tender prices from contractors. Now we are acting as Contract Administrator as the works progress on site, as well assuming the Principal Designer role.
