Sheppard Robson to design catholic school

Sheppard Robson has won a contract to design the St Ambrose Voluntary Aided College in Trafford with Balfour Beatty.

The project is being funded by the government's National Academies Framework Part 1.

The central area is a multi functioning space that includes the chapel, dining, social and assembly areas.

Cantilevering platforms on the upper levels support staff areas, library and ICT areas.

A strong sense of community is reflected throughout the school, with the educational areas circling the central space.

The central space is visible at all points within the school, and all teaching areas are accessed directly from this space, shelving the need for internal corridors.

Tony O'Brien, design director at Sheppard Robson, commented: "Our primary considerations when designing St Ambrose were to provide a high performance school with cutting edge teaching facilities, and to ensure that the building reflects the schools catholic faith, expressing a strong sense of community.

The building is expected to be submitted for planning permission in May 2010, with completion in 2011.

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